November 2022

Partnership with University of Warwick enters next phase to support regional development

By Melanie Hall

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The University of Warwick and University College Birmingham have entered the next phase in their ambitious partnership to support regional development and boost businesses in the West Midlands.

The partnership is borne out of two years of collaboration between the University of Warwick and University College Birmingham, aiming to broaden participation and access to education, and creating skills pathways led by regional business needs.

At an event on Wednesday 2 November, for regional businesses and stakeholders, the two universities set out their vision and programmes aimed at supporting regional growth.

The partnership aims to provide a new approach to social mobility by opening up access to education for people in some of the region’s most disadvantaged communities.

"We will work together to continue to develop our courses, our facilities and our links with employers to produce graduate talent that advances our region"

José Lopes Executive Director of External Engagement

The collaboration sets out to deliver these goals, inspiring young people by providing technical training partnerships and degree apprenticeships, as well as supporting young entrepreneurs.

Both institutions attribute 65% regional impact in the West Midlands. The University of Warwick is a powerful driver of inclusive economic growth and social value in the West Midlands and the UK, contributing £3.3 billion to the UK economy.

It supports 16,085 jobs across the UK (72% of these in the West Midlands). For every pound of expenditure, the University of Warwick generates £5.80 of economic impact across the UK.

Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Engagement, University of Warwick, said, “The University of Warwick has an incredibly strong record on connecting graduates to high value and high demand job sectors. This partnership combines our strengths with University College Birmingham’s reputation as a provider of high-quality teaching and vocational qualifications.

“We have an ambitious programme working with businesses and employers in the region to connect students and graduates to regional jobs markets through our incubation programme – with access to education, skills and employability at the forefront of our mission.

“The partnership represents a unique opportunity for both learners and employers in Birmingham, Coventry and the West Midlands to more widely connect and reach their potential through delivering highly skilled jobs.”

University College Birmingham, in the heart of the city of Birmingham, delivers world-class, career-focused education and training. Its impact contributes £358 million to the UK economy.

It supports 1,275 jobs, with 73% of these in the West Midlands. For every pound of expenditure, it generates £6.70 of economic impact across the UK.

In pictures: Partnership event held at University College Birmingham

José Lopes, Executive Director of External Engagement, University College Birmingham, said, “University College Birmingham is well-known for delivering high-quality, career-focused education and we’re proud to be working in partnership with the University of Warwick, to grow our work in meeting the skills demands of the West Midlands.

“Already, we’ve seen the impact of our partnership by supporting our young entrepreneurs to launch their specialist businesses, through the joint Creative Futures Incubator. We have also collaborated to provide maths support to local school students by linking with University of Warwick coaches.

“We’re moving forward to address skills needs looking at developing pathways in STEM education, developing talent pipelines with our young people, as well as upskilling and workforce development through apprenticeships.

“With the launch of University College Birmingham’s new engineering and sustainable construction curriculum, we will work together to continue to develop our courses, our facilities and our links with employers to produce graduate talent that advances our region.”

For further information about the University of Warwick and University College Birmingham partnership, watch this short video about the plans to address skills gaps and support businesses in the West Midlands: