West Midlands STEM Skills Drive to Create Over 100 Jobs

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 18 seconds

Employment

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Quick Read: The West Midlands is advancing STEM skills with over 100 new jobs at School of Coding & AI and SI Group, alongside plans for new campuses and R&D facilities to fuel innovation and growth.

The West Midlands is set to bolster the UK’s digital and STEM skills landscape with the creation of over 100 specialist jobs at two innovation-focused companies. The initiative aligns with the region's commitment to advancing technology education and research.

Wolverhampton-based School of Coding & AI has announced plans to expand into Birmingham, creating up to 100 higher education roles in technology over the next three years. The organisation, established in 2017, works with schools, colleges, and businesses to deliver training in STEM disciplines, coding, computer science, AI, and cybersecurity.

As part of a new partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, School of Coding & AI will launch a 12,000 sq ft campus on Livery Street, Central Birmingham, with a vision to open five more campuses across the UK by 2025.

CEO Manny Athwal expressed enthusiasm for the expansion:

“We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Wolverhampton, a global leader in cybersecurity research. From our Birmingham campus, we aim to equip a new generation with the expertise needed for exciting tech careers.”

In addition, SI Group, a global leader in performance additives and chemical technologies, is relocating its European R&D lab from Manchester to Four Ashes near Wolverhampton. This move will create 15 technical roles in chemistry, polymer science, and materials science.

The new facility will focus on developing innovative products, supporting R&D initiatives, and offering internships for local university students, fostering connections between academia and industry.

Councillor Stephen Simkins of Wolverhampton Council praised the initiatives:

“Wolverhampton continues to lead in digital technology and innovation. These projects not only create jobs but align with our region’s skills agenda, ensuring residents benefit from emerging opportunities in STEM and technology.”

The developments contribute to the West Midlands’ broader vision, which includes initiatives like the Green Innovation Corridor and the West Midlands Investment Zone, aimed at driving business growth and technological advancement.

What's new

New Programme to Boost West Midlands Growth by Driving Supply Chain Innovation

A groundbreaking initiative is set to accelerate economic growth in the West Midlands by fostering supply chain innovation in high-potential industries such as health tech, med tech, future housing, and smart energy.

The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme, delivered by a consortium of supply chain experts, business leaders, and procurement specialists, aims to open new revenue streams for businesses across the region. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the programme is designed to help local firms adapt to emerging opportunities, including those within the region’s three Investment Zones.

The initiative will support businesses through workshops, intensive coaching, peer-to-peer networks, and events featuring key buyers looking to diversify their supplier base. The first event, scheduled for December 10 in Birmingham, will explore best practices for securing public and private sector contracts. Attendees will hear from Government buyers, including representatives from the Department of Transport, as well as private sector stakeholders and entrepreneurs who have successfully won significant contracts.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of WMCA, emphasised the programme’s potential

“Our Investment Zone is focused on creating high-quality jobs in vital industries like health technology, future housing, and smart energy. This programme equips local businesses to seize these opportunities while preparing young talent with the skills needed to fill these roles. We’re making the West Midlands the best place to do business and ensuring economic growth benefits everyone in our communities.”

Malcolm Cohen, Managing Director at business growth consultancy Newable, underscored the programme’s ambition:

“The scale of this initiative will help businesses thrive by boosting awareness of new supply chain opportunities and building their capacity to secure contracts in priority sectors. It’s about empowering them to compete more effectively in the regional economy.”

Emma Jones, CBE, founder of small business platform Enterprise Nation, praised the programme’s impact on small enterprises:

“Winning contracts from sectors like government acts as a powerful accelerator for small businesses. This programme provides an incredible opportunity to evolve the West Midlands’ priority business community while fuelling regional economic growth.”

Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, encouraged businesses to engage with the initiative:

“This programme supports suppliers in transitioning into high-growth sectors and securing lucrative contracts. For businesses looking to diversify their customer base, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn how key corporate stakeholders are buying.”

The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme aligns with the region’s focus on creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening economic resilience through targeted industry support.

By Anushka Malhotra

3 Dec