A major new Learning Campus is set to open on the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of Smethwick and the wider Sandwell area.
The campus will expand access to education, training, and professional development for residents of all ages, helping local people gain the skills needed for future careers in a rapidly changing economy.
Developed through a unique partnership between Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS trust and its Learning Works, Sandwell College, the University of Wolverhampton, Aston University, and Sandwell Council the Learning Campus will provide access to entry-level learning through to Level 7 programmes, with long-term ambitions to expand advanced study opportunities across the community.
The partners share a commitment to improving life chances, strengthening the local skills base, and ensuring the site becomes a long-term asset for local people.
The project has been made possible through significant investment from the Towns Fund, and the West Midlands Combined Authority demonstrating the Government’s commitment to levelling up communities and supporting local growth.
This funding has enabled the creation of a modern, flexible learning environment designed around the needs of local residents and employers.
Group Chief Executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Dudley Group Foundation NHS Trust Diane Wake commented: “The Learning Campus forms a cornerstone of the wider regeneration of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site.
“By attracting students, staff, and investment, it will stimulate new economic activity, support local industries, and help attract new employers to the area.
“The development reinforces the West Midlands’ position as a region of innovation, talent, and opportunity.”
CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, Lisa Capper MBE, said: “We are excited about the new and unique opportunities we will be offering in this brand-new, purpose-built Learning Campus.
“Our young people and adult learners will benefit from a unique opportunity to train co-located on the site of the largest new hospital in England in a purpose-built Learning Campus. Through this close connection with the NHS, the MMUH, the wider sector and local universities, students will develop vital skills, gain real insight into healthcare careers and experience an immersive learning environment preparing them for progression to university or roles in the sector.
“The industry standard facilities and equipment including simulated ward, A&E area and community setting will equip learners with the knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed to succeed in the healthcare and related industries, ensuring they are skills-ready and future-ready to contribute to the future workforce.”
Dominic McCuthcheon, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Wolverhampton, said: “The Midland Met Learning Campus is fantastic example of partnership working. The campus highlights how investment in creating access to high-quality educational spaces, will offer opportunity for developing people’s skills and capabilities to shape the future in health and social care. This perfectly aligns with the University of Wolverhampton 2035 strategy.
“The Learning campus offers a modern, vibrant learning environment and we look forward to welcoming learners to the campus and continuing to work closely with our partners including the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.”
Chris Langley, Professor of Pharmacy Law and Practice, Aston University, said: “Aston is pleased to see the opening of the Learning Campus, which further highlights the importance of the University’s relationship with Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. This facility provides a great opportunity for us to work with colleagues from the Trust and local community to improve further healthcare within the region.”
Councillor Jalal Uddin, for the Towns Fund programme and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, explained: “The Midland Met Learning Campus is an exciting milestone for children, young people and families in Sandwell. By offering advanced healthcare education – up to Level 7 – right next to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, the campus opens doors to real career pathways in health and care.
“Families will benefit from services that support wellbeing, while students can gain the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in our community’s health. This is a place where learning meets care, and every child and family can thrive.
“The Learning Campus is a flagship example of how Towns Fund investment is helping to level up communities across the country. By supporting the creation of a modern, flexible learning environment, we are enabling local people to access high-quality education and training close to home, while helping to drive economic growth and regeneration in Smethwick and Sandwell.”
As a central part of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site development, the Learning Campus will support the local health and care workforce, provide new opportunities for collaboration with industry, and help prepare the region for future skills demands.
It will serve as a hub for lifelong learning, supporting residents at every stage of their education and career journey.
Tony Shenton, Regional Director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We are proud to have played a part in delivering this new learning campus. Creating a modern, flexible teaching environment that will be an incredible hub for learning, innovation,community growth and regeneration for Sandwell and the wider West Midlands.”