Discover 20+ West Midlands training providers including Netcom Training, In-Comm, Walsall College, Dudley College, and Sandwell College. Find apprenticeships, digital skills, AI training, and adult education across Birmingham and the Black Country.
The West Midlands is one of Britain’s strongest regional training hubs, serving more than 100,000 learners each year across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, and Warwickshire.
This 2026 directory profiles leading West Midlands training providers and the new £10m AI Academy, giving organisations external visibility while showing how Yotru standardises CVs, evidences outcomes, and protects WMCA and ESFA funding across AEB and apprenticeship cohorts.
It brings together long-established colleges, modern digital training providers, and technical academies offering pathways from basic skills to advanced AI and engineering programmes.
Before diving into individual providers, here's the big picture: Mayor Richard Parker announced £10 million to train 2.3 million West Midlands adults in AI skills through a new AI Academy coordinating tech companies, colleges, and training providers.
According to the West Midlands Combined Authority, a newly created AI Academy will lead the programme, working with tech companies, education providers and community groups Digital Watch Observatory.
This isn't replacing existing provision—it's amplifying it. Providers like Netcom Training already deliver Intel-partnered AI courses, while colleges integrate AI into engineering and healthcare programmes. The Academy creates wayfinding services helping residents navigate options.
Parker described AI skills training as "economically imperative," stating that AI will be a core skill, just like English or maths Government-transformation.
Now let's look at who's actually delivering training across the region.
Locations: 8 campuses including Wisemore Campus (main), Digital Engineering Skills Centre, Digital Innovation Hub
Main Address: Littleton Street West, Walsall WS2 8ES
Students: 11,000+ annually
Leadership: Jatinder Sharma OBE, Principal and Chief Executive
What they offer:
Vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education programmes, Essential Digital Skills courses, community learning
Notable facilities:
The Digital Innovation Hub, in partnership with Fujitsu, is aimed at equipping local people with the digital skills needed to help them start new careers Walsall College. The £100,000 WMCA-funded hub includes VR/AR equipment, laser cutting, and AI testing facilities.
The Link (central Walsall) provides drop-in access to Job Centre, National Careers Service, careers advice, and housing support.
Digital skills lead for West Midlands Colleges, participating in West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium.
Contact: https://www.walsallcollege.ac.uk
Campuses: Multiple sites across Birmingham
Students: One of the region's largest FE colleges
Leadership: Suzie Branch-Haddow, Vice Principal
What they offer:
Full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, A Levels, vocational qualifications
Diversity commitment:
BMet proudly announced patronage of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance, underscoring unwavering commitment to cultivating a workforce that mirrors the rich tapestry of the communities they serve UK News Group.
Works closely with South & City College Birmingham and Solihull College on diversity initiatives and apprenticeship development.
Contact: https://www.bmet.ac.uk
Main Campus: Birmingham city centre
Specialization: Urban-focused vocational training
What they offer:
Career-focused programmes, apprenticeships, adult education
Alliance member: Part of Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance promoting equal opportunities in apprenticeships.
Contact: https://www.sccb.ac.uk
Location: Solihull, serving wider Birmingham catchment
Provision: Further education through to university-level courses
What they offer:
Full range from foundation to degree-level qualifications, apprenticeships, professional courses
Alliance partner: Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance patron alongside BMet and South & City College.
Contact: https://www.solihull.ac.uk
Campuses: 13 sites in Dudley Learning Quarter and Brierley Hill Learning Quarter
Students: 12,000 annually
History: Traces roots to 1862
What they offer:
Full-time and part-time courses, A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, university-level courses
Strengths:
One of the largest national providers of apprenticeships and is particularly renowned for its engineering and advanced manufacturing provision. Delivers programmes for young people and adults, serving Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton communities.
Contact: https://dudleycol.ac.uk
Locations: 5 sites in Halesowen (Whittingham Road, Shenstone House, Coombs Wood, Trinity Point, Bradfield House)
Main Campus: Whittingham Road, Halesowen B63 3NA
Students: 5,000+ aged 16-18, plus expanding adult provision
Founded: 1966
What they offer:
Academic, vocational, and technical pathways including T Levels, apprenticeships, adult upskilling courses
Catchment: Serves Halesowen, Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham and Wolverhampton Collegeswestmidlands.
Recognition: Awarded 'Gold College of Excellence'
Contact: https://www.halesowen.ac.uk
Main Campus: Central Campus, 1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich B70 6AW
Additional Campuses: Cadbury Sixth Form College (Kings Norton), Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form (West Bromwich)
Students: 6,000+ aged 16-18
Investment: £77 million Central Campus (opened March 2012)
What they offer:
Skills-based courses, apprenticeships, sixth form provision, adult learning
New campuses 2026:
Commercial arm: Tomorrow's People delivers training, professional development, and employer engagement
Location: 13 Bennett's Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS
Contact: https://www.sandwell.ac.uk
Locations: Central West Midlands (Birmingham delivery focus)
What they offer:
Skills bootcamps and apprenticeship delivery specialising in rapid workforce entry.
Popular programmes:
AEB-funded skills bootcamps (12-16 weeks)
Level 3/4 apprenticeships with employer partnerships
Digital skills and employability training
Sector-specific upskilling (technology, business, manufacturing)
WMCA-aligned training pathways
Delivery: In-person training centres, employer premises, virtual bootcamps
Scale: Proven delivery across West Midlands AEB contracts
Contact: https://imetatraining.co.uk/
Location: Birmingham
Specialization: AI, digital skills, CompTIA certifications, digital marketing
Flagship programme:
Received over half a million pounds from WMCA to deliver AI for Current Workforce courses, catering for 360 learners with 120 individuals enrolled in each programme West Midlands Combined Authority.
64-hour Intel partnership delivering AI project management, professional skills, and venture-building capabilities. Virtual delivery with Intel-trained facilitators.
Credentials: Intel Digital Readiness Certificate upon completion
Eligibility: 19+, West Midlands residents, 3 years UK residency (Level 2 English/Maths preferred)
Leadership: Kevin Vashi, Managing Director
Also offers: IT Technician courses, CompTIA A+, cybersecurity, digital marketing apprenticeships
Contact: https://www.netcomtraining.co.uk
Locations: Aldridge (Black Country), Telford
Students: 2,500+ apprentices annually
Employer partnerships: 700+ SMEs and large employers
Specialization: Engineering apprenticeships with AI-integrated learning management systems
Innovation:
Signed a knowledge transfer partnership agreement with Birmingham City University to explore how AI can be used to support the management of apprenticeships and learner journeys Insider Media.
Funded by Innovate UK, developing AI-powered Learning Management System built from scratch.
Leadership: Gareth Jones, Managing Director
Revenue growth: 18% increase this financial year
Sectors: Manufacturing, maintenance, automation, welding, electrical
Contact: https://in-comm.co.uk
Locations: Innovation Birmingham (Faraday Wharf, B7 4BB), Cornwall Buildings (45 Newhall St, B3 3QR)
What they offer:
1-2 day practical courses, maximum 6 delegates per session for personalized training
Popular courses:
Delivery: In-person (Birmingham city centre), online, or bespoke in-house at client locations
Contact: https://www.mtraining.co.uk/birmingham
Location: Birmingham
Specialization: AI and automation apprenticeships
Programme: Level 4 Artificial Intelligence and Automation Practitioner
Format: Practice-based with employer partnerships
Contact: Available through Find Apprenticeship Training service
Location: Unit 1 Boultbee Business Units, Nechells Place, Birmingham B7 5AR
Additional centres: Brownhills, West Bromwich, Milton Keynes
Phone: 0121 213 5000
What they offer:
First Aid, Health & Safety, Plant Operation, CPCS, forklift truck training, IPAF, NRSWA Streetworks
Accreditations: CITB, CompEx, CPCS, IPAF certified
Contact: https://www.webbs-training.com
HQ: Vesey House, 5-7 High Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XH
What they offer:
171+ course options covering First Aid, Mental Health, CPCS, NPORS, Streetworks, EUSR, Plant and Utility, Scaffolding, CITB, Underground Services. 46+ NVQs from Health & Safety to Construction.
Delivery: Three Birmingham centres, online, or on-site at client location
Contact: https://www.pglmidlands.com
Location: Central Birmingham
Coverage: Birmingham and Coventry construction training
What they offer:
Contact: https://theskillscentre.co.uk
HQ: Walsall (Intown, Essex Terrace)
Staff: 78 across multiple Birmingham training centres
Leadership: Carolyn Stokes, Managing Director (finalist, Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026, Outstanding Contributions category)
Key programme:
CMI Level 5 Diploma for Operational Leaders and Managers (18-month higher technical qualification), approved by Department of Education
Experience: 30+ years delivering skills development, key partner in Ladder apprenticeship scheme since 2014 covering Greater Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire
Contact: https://www.ptp-training.co.uk
Specialization: Live on-site training for teams (2-hour sessions)
Topics: Presentations, project management, teamwork, sales, unconscious bias
Format: Exciting, rapid-skill development sessions delivered at client workplaces
Contact: https://www.bitesizelearning.co.uk
Part of: Manufacturers' Association
Mission: Developing engineering and manufacturing skills across West Midlands, plus back-office skills supporting the sector
Contact: https://www.makeuk.org
Campus: STEAMhouse (£70 million innovation center)
Faculty: Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Key programmes:
Unique feature: Fully funded places for UK nationals with 2.2+ undergraduate degree in any subject
Industry partners: Amazon, Huawei, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft
Leadership: Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEAM and Executive Dean
AI innovation: Partners with In-Comm Training on AI-powered learning management systems (Innovate UK funded)
Contact: https://www.bcu.ac.uk
Location: 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham Innovation Quarter (B-IQ)
Director: Professor Abdul Hamid Sadka
Focus areas: AI and data analytics, digital health technologies, gamification and games technologies
Approach: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with businesses (Innovate UK funded)
Recent projects:
Mission: Playing a key role in the economic regeneration and digital inclusion agenda of Birmingham and the West Midlands Aston University.
Contact: https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/sir-peter-rigby-digital-futures-institute
Purpose: One-stop shop connecting employers with training providers
What they do:
Coverage: West Midlands and Warwickshire
Contact: https://skillswmw.com/
Training portfolio: Digital & AI, sales, marketing, mental health, wellbeing, international trade
Distinction: One of only UK Chambers offering all 11 British Chambers of Commerce accredited training modules
Delivery: In-person workshops, interactive virtual masterclasses
Contact: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/services/training.html
Location: Solihull (Birmingham Business Park)
Investment: £10 million Sovereign Orchestration Hub and Digital Agentic Centre
Jobs: 50 new AI-related positions in 2026
Programmes: Graduate and apprenticeship programmes focused on AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics
HQ: Tyseley, Birmingham
Scale: Europe's largest independent IT service provider
Role: Major employer of regional AI graduates from Aston and Birmingham City universities, host location for Mayor's AI Academy announcement
Training Providers & Colleges
Use this directory to understand your position in the regional skills ecosystem, identify partnership opportunities, and share information with prospective learners searching for training options. It also supports awareness of AEB training requirements and regional funding structures.
Employers & HR Teams
Identify accredited providers for workforce development, apprenticeships, and skills bootcamps. Employers can use this directory to explore funded and employer-supported training options available across the West Midlands.
Community Organizations & Libraries
Support residents in finding appropriate training pathways. Many providers listed offer adult education, government-funded programmes, and flexible delivery models suited to different learner needs.
Policymakers & Funders
Use this directory as a reference point for understanding regional training infrastructure, provider specialisations, and coordination mechanisms, including employability documentation considerations for funded programmes.
Many government-funded courses require 19+ age, West Midlands residency, and 3 years UK residence. Always check eligibility before committing.
Yotru provides digital tools that help training providers deliver structured career support to learners in AEB-funded and skills programmes.
Our platform enables learners to build professional CVs, receive tailored feedback, and develop career action plans—while giving providers time-stamped documentation of career development activity.
Training providers in West Midlands can use Yotru to:
We help providers save time, improve consistency in career support, and create documentation that supports their compliance and funding obligations.
Request a two-week pilot to explore how similar workflows perform in your own context. Providers should ensure that any use of learner data during pilot activity is consistent with their internal data protection policies and legal obligations.
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Major providers include Walsall College, Dudley College, Sandwell College, Halesowen College, Birmingham Metropolitan College, In-Comm Training, Netcom Training, Performance Through People, and Birmingham City University. Each serves different audiences from school leavers to adult career changers.
This content is written for UK training providers, colleges, workforce organisations, and employers involved in skills delivery, apprenticeships, and adult education. It is intended for programme leads, quality and compliance teams, employer engagement staff, and policymakers responsible for learner outcomes, funded provision, and employability support.
Yotru content is produced to support clarity, accuracy, and practical understanding of the UK skills and workforce landscape. Articles reference publicly available guidance and sector communications for context only. Content is informational and does not constitute legal, regulatory, funding, or compliance advice. Readers should consult official sources for current requirements.
Yotru provides employability and career development tools that may support training delivery and learner progression. Use of Yotru does not guarantee compliance with ESFA, devolved authority, Ofsted, or other regulatory requirements, nor does it guarantee funding outcomes, audit results, learner employment, or data accuracy. Training providers remain fully responsible for regulatory compliance, funding claims, evidence validation, and data protection obligations. Independent legal or compliance advice should be sought where appropriate.
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