About The College


Welcome to South Birmingham College

 

One of the Midlands’ largest and most successful colleges of Further Education

A warm and personal welcome to South Birmingham College -
a college that looks after its students.

I know that when you are considering which college and which course to choose you are making one of the most difficult but most important decisions of your life, as your future career and your quality of life will be affected by your choice. Most of us are in this position at times in our life whether as a new student just starting out or as an employee improving our skills and qualifications and I know from personal experience how difficult it is to make the right choice and to work out what will be best for your future.

At South Birmingham College we want to give you the best any college can offer and to help you in every way possible. From advice on courses, through to excellent teaching and learning provided and supported by experienced and committed staff and use of the best resources and facilities of any college - and of course an
enjoyable time and the chance to make new friends. There are many social activities for students throughout the year, and the college prides itself on being a safe place to study and we do not tolerate any form of racism,
discrimination or bullying.

I and my staff are here for you, to help you succeed and to ensure that you enjoy your time with the college.

You will probably know already of the college’s reputation and success. Over 81% of all students who enrolled at the college last year gained their chosen qualifications (and many courses have a far higher success rate), and with the highest overall success rate of any college in the city last year and one of the highest OFSTED inspection ratings you can be assured that you’ll be in good hands. With four prestigious campuses, each with their own specialisms, the College boasts some of the newest and best educational facilities in the Midlands.

Our new Digbeth centre close to the city centre has a wide range of courses and state of the art facilities and equipment for Music, Media, Multimedia, ESOL (English Language), Basic Skills, Textiles, ICT, Business and Professional Studies, Trade Union Studies.

The new Built Environment/Construction Centre in Bordesley Green is one of the biggest and best construction training centres in the country offering most construction related courses and training, and in addition provides sports courses and training alongside the brand new state of the art Astroturf pitch.

The Hall Green Centre offers Health and Care (it’s a designated centre of vocational excellence in Childcare and Early Years), Catering, Hair and Beauty, ESOL, Basic Skills.

Last but not least is the new Women’s Academy in Balsall Heath. This newly refurbished centre offers a secure environment for female students to study a range of vocational courses.

Of course by far the greatest recommendation for you will be the views and experience of previous and current students, so if you’d like to talk to people who’ve been through courses already please give us a ring and we’ll arrange it.

South Birmingham is more than just a college. It’s the way to a better
future for you.

Mike Hopkins
Principal


Mission

The mission of South Birmingham College is to provide outstanding education and training which is primarily vocational, in response to the needs of learners and employers.

Vision

The vision of South Birmingham College is to continue to develop and be recognised as an outstanding educational and economic resource by learners, staff, employers and the wider community.

Values

South Birmingham College:

Believes that its learners are the most important members of the College and that it is the responsibility of all college staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Is proud of the fact that it is a multi racial, multi cultural and socially inclusive college.

Is opposed to all forms of violent, abusive and discriminatory behaviour.

Is proud of the fact that it is an inclusive learning organisation and believes that all learners, staff and governors are entitled to respect and parity of esteem and are entitled to work and study in a welcoming, safe and non threatening environment.

Values its staff and governors, will help them develop their skills and expertise, and will do its utmost to provide a good working environment.


Click here for the results of the Client Satisfaction Surveys


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Apprenticeships at South Birmingham College

Why do Apprenticeships?

If you are aged between 16 and 24, South Birmingham College can help you. If you start an apprenticeship before your 25th birthday, you can continue until you have completed it.

How do Apprenticeships work?

There are two levels of apprenticeships available - both leading to nationally recognised qualifications and they last for between one and four years, depending on the occupational area and level.

Apprenticeships have been categorised as Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3).

Apprenticeships will usually take up to two years. The training includes a Technical Certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds, the key skills of Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology and the occupational NVQ at level two.

Advanced Apprenticeships may take between two to four years. The training has the same components as an Apprenticeship but delivered and assessed at a higher level. NVQ at level three is equivalent to technician or supervisory level.

FAQs

At South Birmingham College we are proud of our relationship with employers and the employees of a wide range of companies we are working with. In this section we try to answer some of your more frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you would like to know more about Apprenticeships at South Birmingham College Business Developments, please contact us on free phone: 0800 731 346

Employer Related

Who is eligible for an Apprenticeship?

Anyone who is currently employed in a relevant occupational area and between the ages of 16 and 24.

Do I have to employ an Apprentice?

Yes. However, some employers take candidates on a long term paid work placement.

Which occupational areas do SBC cover?

Construction
Information Communication
Technology
Early Years Care

How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

National Vocational Qualificationas (NVQs) are flexible programmes which identify work competence in many occupational areas.

Will it cost me anything?

No training is completely free. The only cost to employers is the candidate's registration and exam fees with external Awarding Bodies.

How much should I pay an Apprentice?

Government requirements are that all employed apprentices must recieve a minimum wage.

Can the college help with recruiting a suitable Apprentice?

Yes, employers can contact the college prior to recruitment and the college will pass this information on to the tutors and existing candidates.

Do I have to pay my Apprentices when they go to college?

Most employers recognise the importance of investing in training and choose to reimburse candidates for study time.

How does the training programme work?

Training usually begins with key skills and studying towards a technical certificate. This is followed by NVQ assessment. Workbased assessments involve assessors observing and providing guidance to learners whilst they are doing their normal job. All we ask of employers is to give us as much support as possible in this process.

Will assessment of learners in the workplace disrupt my business?

Time will need to be allocated for Assessment but this is professionally carried out with minimum disruption to the business.

Employee Related

Who is eligible for an Apprenticeship?

Anyone who is currently employed in the relevent occupational area and between the ages of 16 and 24.

What if I don't have a job?

Although apprenticeships are geared towards employed candidates, in some cases appropriate candidates can be assisted in finding long term work placements.

Which occupational areas do SBC cover?

Construction
Information Communication
Technology
Early Years Care

How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are flexible programmes which identify work competence in many occupational areas.

Will it cost me anything?

Training is completely free. The only cost to employers is the candidate's registration and exam fee with external Awarding Bodies.

Where will I be trained?

At one of our many state-of-the art training locations. Assessment and reviews also take place on-site at your place of work.

Will I get any help?

All learners studying at SBC have access to our Specialist Student Support Unit. Learners can discuss any issue with trained staff on an individual basis.

Do I get any holidays?

Candidates will be given annual leave as specified under their terms and conditions of employment.

How are Apprentices selected?

The college carries out initial assessment of all learners. After successful completion, candidates will follow a 6 week probationary period.

How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are flexible programmes which identifies work competencies in many occupational areas.

There are five levels of NVQ:

Level Equivalent Qulifications Grade
1 5 GCSEs D-G
2 5 GCSEs A-C
3 2 A levels/1 Vocational A level pass
4/5 HNC, HND and degree level  


Are Apprenticeships compiled of recognised qualifications?

Yes, they consist of a minimum of 4 different qualifications which are all nationally recognised.

What do I do next?

Contact us by phoning Free Phone 0800 731 3467 and ask for Angela Hagans. Alternatively e-mail us at business.dev@sbc.ac.uk  

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Higher Education

Let South Birmingham College take your education to new heights!

South Birmingham College offers a wide range of Foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas and Certificates. Higher Education courses are offered in conjunction with UCE and the University of Wolverhampton and students studying at the college will be recognised as students of those Universities and will have access to all their facilities.

Students at the college are taught by well qualified lecturers and enjoy state of the art facilities. For example, there is a well equipped IT room for the sole use of Higher Education students at all South Birmingham College centres.

Through ESF funding, eligible students will be provided with a lap top (at a very low cost), text books and bus travel passes for the West Midlands region. Students may also be entitled to child care allowances. 

HE students receive dedicated tutorial support and can take advantage of the additional support offered to all students in our Learning Development Centres.

Missed out on University?  Another chance at South Birmingham College!

Access courses are an alternative route into Higher Education for mature learners over 19 years of age. South Birmingham College offers a wide range of choice to meet the interests of its learners.

Access to Higher Education programmes:

Learners who successfully complete an Access to Higher Education programme are awarded the QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Certificate, accepted as a standard entry qualification to higher education. 

Students who have completed Access courses have gone on to study for degrees in Nursing, Radiography, Accounts, Law and a number of different professional qualifications. If you missed out on a university course, an Access course could be for you.

All students have full access to the facilities offered at the South Birmingham College centres, including Learner Support, Libraries, and computing facilities. Students also have dedicated tutorial support.

Through the Learner Support Fund students may apply for help with child care, travel expenses, text books and other essential course materials.

If you’re looking to looking to enrol on an HE programme or to re-enter education to gain entry to University, talk to South Birmingham College. We can help you turn your dreams and ambitions into reality.


Entry requirements for the Higher National Diploma are:

Minimum 80 UCAS tariff points, this could include:
1 ‘A’ level pass
BTEC National Diploma
AVCE Single/Double
Access to Higher Education (60 credits with 45 at Level 3)
International Baccalaureate (24 points)
Advanced GNVQ or an appropriate Level 3 qualification.
In addition, students applying for any of the Music courses will be required to undertake an audition.

Entry requirements for the Higher National Certificate are:
BTEC National Certificate or Diploma or
BTEC GNVQ Advanced/AVCE or
At least one ‘A’ level pass with appropriate GCSEs or
For mature candidates (over 21) appropriate work experience.

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Schools Liaison

South Birmingham College is a great choice for school leavers with an exciting range of vocational courses that can link either to the world of work, or on to Higher Education.

If you are in Year 10 or 11 and would like to know more about the college then make sure to attend one of our Open Days, but please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

You can talk to our Schools Liaison Officer by ringing reception on 0121 694 5000 and asking for Bernard Thompson, or email him at bernard.thompson@sbc.ac.uk.

We work with a large number of schools in Birmingham and Solihull as part of their Careers programmes to encourage and inform youngsters about training opportunities. Current activities cover a wide range, from helping with Mock Interviews to running taster vocational workshops in schools and colleges. We are always looking for new ways to get involved, so Bernard would be delighted to hear further suggestions from all Heads of Careers and/or Vocational Coordinators.

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Sport Academy

South Birmingham College can help you combine the sports you love with the education you want. We’ve teamed up with leading professional clubs to offer a unique range of courses that have a 50/50 split between sport and study. So you’ll get the professional coaching you need to help you develop as a cricket, rugby or football player, but you’ll also work on courses that help keep your career options open.

Professional coaching from Warwickshire Cricket Club, and Birmingham and Solihull Rugby Club will give you access to the kind of sporting know-how that few students could ever hope to benefit from. Most training takes place at the club’s own sites, so you’ll benefit from top facilities and coaching from ex-players and professionals.

You may not be the next Beckham, Flintoff or Wilkinson, but we will ensure you have every chance to make the most of all your abilities – academic, practical or sporting.

At the end of your course, you’ll not only have a nationally recognised qualification that will help with your chosen career, but invaluable know-how that only comes from working with real sports professionals.

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