Case Studies

Hear from what employers we work with have to say.

Doocey Group

Doocey Group is a local Civil Engineering and Utility contractor, based in Tipton, operating nationally. They are passionate about supporting local people into skilled jobs. The partnership has seen Doocey Group work hand in hand with Sandwell College to create a bespoke Pre-Apprenticeship/SWAP which is aligned to construction and multi-utilities.

Working with Sandwell College, Doocey will deliver their biggest cohort of learners yet. Of the learners that applied, 18 were selected and offered employment with the group under an apprenticeship. The College is proud of this collaborative approach and it will support the upskilling of young people in the region, offering them the opportunity to develop and progress within their education and career.

 

A huge amount of work has gone into this with a fantastic response. Doocey Group is excited to begin the next stage of this journey. David Hannibal (MU Director) says: ‘we have met so many exceptional candidates on this journey and wish we could have taken more on. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in this pre-apprenticeship programme from the candidates, Sandwell College, to our gangs who have mentored and scored these young men.’

Trust in Care

Sham Mali – Managing Director of Trust in Care.

“We took an apprentice on from Sandwell College in 2019 for Health & Social Care. We work very closely with Sandwell College and feel very well supported.

As an employer, we believe it’s important to give apprentices the opportunity to develop and learn, but it also gives us the opportunity to nurture them and watch them grow within the business.”

Adult Learner: Certificate in Counselling

Jodie started on Level 2 Counselling, progressed to Level 3 and is about to start Level 4 Counselling. Hear what Jodie has to say:
 

“My journey into my counselling studies has been very personal. After a traumatic childhood and embarking on my own therapy I decided upon healing that I wanted to help others in need.

Prior to enrolling, I always considered myself a good listener but I now realise that I probably wasn’t. The skills in which I have gained through the courses has equipped me to better listen and really hear people. I also no longer feel the urge to try and ‘rescue’ people.

I have also learnt a lot about myself through self-reflection which has been fantastic for me having always been so critical of myself.

I have been a volunteer at a Mental Health & Well-being charity since January 2020 but since passing Level 3 I have gained full time employment there as well as enrolling into level 4 to continues with my counselling studies. My employers are extremely supportive of this.”

Adult Learner Alumni: CMI L5 Certificate in Project Management

Bev was a recent completing student (August 2022) on the L5 Certificate in Project Management and received her certification in October 2022.
 
Bev works with the local Christian diocese on a project bases role and has responsibility for the management of Christian based projects, mandated from both top-down (from regional/national level) and bottom-up (locally based and driven).
 
Bev undertook the programme as she identified the need for best practice of project delivery, especially as Christian membership is declining and subsequently Church income correspondingly under stress. The projects being rolled-out were intended to address both of these issues within the diocese (and nationally) and Bev knew that she had the opportunity to take a more active role within the broader Church project roadmap.
 
As a result of successfully completing the programme, Bev has both increased her responsibilities and scope of her role in the current diocesan structure and has also received an internal promotion, into which she has been seconded, with greater emphasis on project implementation nationally.

Willmott Dixon

“During our recent construction project, we collaborated with Sandwell College to provide opportunities for early-career talent. We facilitated employability sessions and hosted work experience placements for five NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to support them in fulfilling requirements for their traineeship programmes.


A stand-out success story from this initiative is a Sandwell College alumnus, Olivia. Having completed her work experience placement with us, we were so impressed with Olivia that she was offered a summer internship.

Following the completion of her internship Olivia decided to pursue a career with us and applied for a four-year Management Trainee programme which will see Willmott Dixon sponsoring Olivia while she completes a degree in her chosen field, as well as providing the opportunity to apply her learning through hands-on, real-world experience on our sites.”

Scott Arms Dental

Scott Arms Dental:

“We have an excellent working relationship with Sandwell College. They have helped us recruit and train numerous Level 3 Dental Nursing apprentices over the years. This has helped them gain valuable work experience and permanent employment, as well as helping us build a team of skilled, professionally trained staff.”