Skills initiative helps BMC students secure jobs

A SKILLS initiative run by Birmingham Metropolitan College is helping to find jobs for local people.

Gemma Carrington, Huma Sahdia and Shara Walters all found employment with holiday companies Thomson and First Choice, after completing an employability course at BMC’s Black Country Skills Shop, based at the Merry Hill Centre.

Tina Dalzell, manager at the Job Skills Shop at the Merry Hill Centre, said: “We put together a course designed to help candidates prepare for the application and interview process.  The course included customer service and employability training as well as presenting information and paediatric first aid. We’re delighted that three local people have been successful by landing jobs abroad and wish them luck for the future.”

Construction students at BMC, who are based at the Advanced Technology Campus (ATC) in Brierley Hill, have received a boost to their employability.

Fifteen students studying Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery were given a detailed overview of ‘How to Start a Business’ by experienced Business Adviser, Bob Howard, who is based in the Black Country Chamber of Commerce office at the ATC.  

To help them take their first steps into the world of business, Howard covered topics such as Sales and Marketing, Unique Selling Points, Prince’s Trust funding, Income Tax & National Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.

He said: “The construction trade is really picking up at the moment and we thought that students would benefit from some added value assistance in helping them to start thinking about work when they leave college.” 

Aviation sector on the menu in Worcester

HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is to gauge members’ opinions on the future direction of the UK civil aviation sector.

It is hosting a special seminar, dubbed ‘One Hub or None’, on June 26 at Worcestershire County Cricket Club as part of a national programme of events organised by The British Chambers of Commerce in association with Heathrow Airport.

The key themes will include; what can be done to close the £14bn trade gap and why a hub airport is different and uniquely valuable to the UK. Delegates will also have the opportunity to put questions to Heathrow Airport’s executives and share opinions on how this debate affects local business.

Mike Ashton, the chamber’s chief executive, said: “The UK requires world class transport hubs to compete with the likes of Amsterdam, Munich and Paris. Heathrow is one of those and we support its development. We also see the benefit of developments at Birmingham Airport providing more opportunities for our local business community.”

Shop fittings manufacturer targets new business

WEST Bromwich-based shop fittings manufacturer SHS Products is looking to boost business with the introduction of innovative new products.

The company, which supplies the likes of Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, West Bromwich Albion Football Club and other national clients, said it had high hopes for its Key-Link railings and Infinity topless railing systems.

The Infinity topless railing system is said to eliminate upper and lower rails giving greater flexibility to displays. The Key-Link aluminium railings are weather-resistant due to being powder-coated and their durability will be key to securing new orders.

The firm’s other railing solutions include glass balustrade systems, frameless glass balustrades, wire rope infill systems and stainless steel balustrades.