Growing tech firms to boost operations with more than 100 jobs

More than 100 jobs in technology will be created in the West Midlands as two companies announced plans to bolster operations across the region.

School of Coding & AI, a coding and AI educator based in Wolverhampton is expanding into Birmingham, where it plans to create up to 100 tech-focused higher education jobs over the next three years.

In partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, the School of Coding & AI will open a new 12,000 sq ft campus in Birmingham, which will feature the UK’s first AI learning lab.

The campus will offer degrees and higher education courses, with plans to expand further in the future, including the opening of five additional campuses by 2025.

Founded in 2017, the company works with schools, colleges, and businesses to strengthen digital skills, offering courses in STEM, coding, computer science, AI, and cybersecurity.

SI Group, a global leader in performance additives, is also contributing to the region’s growth by relocating its European R&D lab from Manchester to Four Ashes, near Wolverhampton.

The move will create 15 skilled technical jobs in chemistry, polymer science, and materials science.

The lab will focus on developing new products, creating application data for existing products, and supporting the company’s R&D and supply chain functions. It will also offer summer internships to local university students, helping them gain practical experience.

Both investments have been supported by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), which provided expertise and consultancy to both companies.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “This is a very exciting initiative for the University of Wolverhampton and we look forward to continuing to develop our partnership with the School of Coding and AI; and in doing so benefiting our students and the wider economy in what is a key growth sector.”

Manny Athwal, CEO at School of Coding & AI, said: “We’re extremely excited to be collaborating with the University of Wolverhampton – a global leader in cybersecurity research – for this next chapter in our growth journey. From our new Birmingham campus, we look forward to equipping a new generation of students with the specialist knowledge and expertise to embark on exciting and rewarding careers in tech.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Yet again Wolverhampton is demonstrating it is a leader in digital technology and innovation. School of Coding & AI is a beacon for the city and SI Group’s lab relocation shows the region is the place to invest when it comes to R&D.

“Both companies are making a real difference to our residents and those beyond the city by creating jobs that align with our skills agenda. Working in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, our plans for a Green Innovation Corridor as one of the three pillars of the West Midlands Investment Zone will also help us provide a range of business support, skills and recruitment programmes to ensure local people benefit from future opportunities.”