Dudley College to use new Education and Skills Centre
A landmark skills and education facility in Dudley is set to open its doors to learners later this year, following an agreement between Dudley Council and Dudley College of Technology.
The council has agreed to lease the new building on Castle Hill to Dudley College, in a move that will help secure the borough's growing skills and education offer.
Following the construction of the £26 million building, which was funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government under the Local Regeneration Fund, the building has undergone fit out for the delivery of health, life sciences and related curriculum.
Under the agreement, the college will occupy and operate the building, delivering a range of educational provision including T Levels and access courses from October 2026.
Located close to the Castle Hill Metro stop, and within walking distance of Dudley town centre, the centre is designed to play a key role in the area's emerging innovation quarter and creates additional opportunities for learning, training and employment in Dudley.
The facility will become the primary location for a range of Access to Higher Education programmes, including pathways into health, science and nursing-related professions. The programmes provide an important route into higher education and careers across the NHS and wider health and care sectors.
Students studying Health T Levels and Extended Diplomas will also utilise the facility, benefiting from specialist teaching spaces that support practical learning, simulation activities and the development of industry-relevant skills.
Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said:
"This is a significant milestone for the building delivered through the Health Innovation Dudley project and a great example of what can be achieved through strong local partnerships.
"We have worked closely with Dudley College throughout this project and are delighted that the building will now begin fulfilling its purpose of creating opportunities for residents.
"By providing high-quality facilities for T Levels and access courses, the centre will help people develop new skills, access further education and improve their career prospects, while also supporting the future growth of our local economy.
“This agreement ensures the building is brought into active use immediately, supporting the council's commitment to delivering value from its regeneration investments while creating lasting benefits for local communities.”
Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College of Technology Diana Martin said:
"It is great local residents will benefit from this new facility, and we would like to thank Dudley Council for its vision and commitment in bringing the project to life.
“The health, care and life sciences sectors continue to present significant opportunities for employment and career progression across the region.
“The West Midlands Combined Authority cites that around 10,000 new jobs in the wider life sciences/health technology sector will be created by 2030, including 5,300 to 5,900 HealthTech jobs with strong demand for skilled professionals expected to continue in the years ahead.
"This investment ensures that local people can access high-quality learning in a specialist environment that prepares them for successful careers and further study."