In a ground-breaking initiative, South & City College Birmingham is taking education beyond the traditional classroom, breaking ground on a visionary project that intertwines sustainable living with hands-on learning. Work has started to construct two houses on its grounds, designed as dynamic teaching spaces for environmental upgrades and energy-efficient retrofitting. One of the houses will be built to typical 1930s standards, for example, no cavity walls and the other will be like a show-home for energy efficiency and smart-home technology. The West Midlands and Warwickshire have successfully obtained £10.3 million from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF). This funding will allow multiple further education colleges across the region to provide training for local residents, preparing them for employment opportunities in emerging industries. These sectors include electric vehicles and battery technology, sustainable construction, as well as the creative and gaming sectors. South & City College Birmingham has been allocated £595,000 to build and kit-out the two buildings, plus additional funding to upskill the teaching staff.
This innovative venture aims to immerse students in the practicalities of creating future-ready, eco-conscious living spaces. From solar panel installations to energy-efficient insulation, and smart home technologies, these houses will serve as living laboratories where students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The project is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents a commitment to shaping environmentally conscious leaders for tomorrow and filling a much-needed skills gap. Students from diverse disciplines will collaborate on this endeavour, fostering a holistic understanding of sustainable practices. Not only will students be recent school-leavers, but learners will include tradespeople looking to upskill to be able to offer green technology installation and smart-home solutions.
By offering hands-on experience in green construction and retrofitting, South & City College Birmingham is equipping its students with the much-needed skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of an evolving world. The project not only emphasises environmental responsibility but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices in shaping the future of modern living.
As the College pioneers this path towards future-ready living, the project stands as a testament to the institution’s dedication to innovation, education, and a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Rebecca Waterfield, Senior Executive Director of Business Development for the College said, “We are really excited by this investment. As the largest construction college in the Midlands, it is fantastic to be able to showcase the latest technologies and support both our students and local employers to gain the skills needed to meet the West Midlands Combined Authority’s plan to be net zero by 2041. This is the first step in new developments at the College aimed at ensuring our curriculum meets current and future skills needs and therefore supporting our businesses in economic growth by providing the right skills and talent solutions”.
If you’ve been inspired to work in construction, South & City College Birmingham offer courses in construction from Level 1 to university level.
