The Sandwell Colleges’ £9.3million Skills Campus has reached a significant milestone, with a topping out ceremony taking place today marking the completion of the core building phase of the project.
The ceremony, attended by college leaders, Sandwell Council representatives and other key partners, highlights the substantial progress of the new development in Cradley Heath, which remains on track to open in early 2026.
The Skills Campus will provide essential training and learning opportunities to equip local people with the skills needed for in-demand industries, supporting economic growth and employment in Sandwell and the Black Country.
Lisa Capper MBE, Principal and CEO of The Sandwell Colleges, commented: "Today's topping out ceremony represents another step forward in our commitment to delivering a new and much-needed learning facility at the heart of the community.
“Once open, the campus will be instrumental in providing cutting-edge skills training and supporting our region’s economic growth in skills priority areas including health and adult social care, construction, digital and essential skills. By investing in high-quality education and training, we are ensuring that learners of all ages have the opportunity to further their education, progress to the next stage and secure rewarding careers."
The Sandwell Colleges’ Skills Campus, located on Lower High Street in Cradley Heath, is a key component of the Rowley Regis Town Investment Plan. Funded through the Government’s Towns Fund, the project is a testament to Sandwell Council’s commitment to community regeneration, educational excellence, and career advancement for residents in the area.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “This fantastic new campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities, specialist training workshops and employer-led programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries and adult learning. It will serve as a hub for skills development, ensuring that learners gain real-world experience and qualifications that lead to sustainable employment.”
The Skills Campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities, specialist simulated and training workshops, and employer-led programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries and adult learning. It will serve as a hub for skills development, ensuring that learners gain real-world experience and qualifications that lead to sustainable employment.
The new campus is being developed in close collaboration with industry partners, further education specialists and Sandwell Council to create a campus of excellence that will support a pipeline of skilled workers for the region’s growing industries.
The Sandwell Colleges has appointed Speller Metcalfe as the main contractor for the project. With construction progressing as planned, Sandwell College looks forward to welcoming students and employers to the Cradley Heath Skills Campus in early 2026. More updates on the development will be shared in the coming months.