Across the Midlands, there are 16 higher education institutions which release approximately 13,400 engineering and technology graduates alone into the workforce each year. Within the Black Country itself, there are six Further Education colleges and one University (Wolverhampton), which is closely aligned to the University Technical Colleges in the area. 42,000 people are employed in public sector education.

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There has been a real upward momentum in education and skills in the region. More residents than ever before are educated to degree level or above (163,000 people). The region has seen an upsurge in the number of people employed in skilled trades and this is mirrored in the increase in the uptake of apprenticeships, last year which topped 13,000 apprenticeships starts.

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Initiatives by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership focuses on the development of strategic centres, including further education, the Black Country Skills Factory, an elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, Dudley Advanced Construction, FAB kits at Sandwell College and the PTP IT Academy. The ability to train and attract talent remains a crucial part of the LEP's economic growth plans.

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Read more on the Black Country LEP's website.

The University of Wolverhampton’s £250 million investment in its new Springfield Campus will enhance learning experiences and contribute to the economy’s widespread regeneration. This development transforms the 12 acres, Grade II listed heritage site to become the West Midlands Construction University Technical College, providing education for up to 600, 14-19 year-olds, as well as being the home to the School of Architecture and the Built Environment.

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The University also boasts excellent business services links, offering everything from start-up incubation units and research and new product development facilities to student employees and conferencing solutions.