SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS C


Smart training at new Academy


Samsung Electronics is bringing skills training in smart technologies to a new academy opening in Kidderminster in September. The Academy at Kidderminster will contain a Samsung Experience Academy that will deliver qualifications and technical know-how for emerging smart technology products. Formed by Birmingham


Metropolitan College and Kidderminster College, the Academy at Kidderminster will deliver courses to up to 1,000 16-18 year-olds while supporting local businesses.


‘It is the first academy in the UK to provide training for smart leading edge technologies’


The Samsung Experience Academy will specialise in the delivery of qualifications for the creative and technological industries. It is the first academy in the UK to provide training for smart leading edge technologies including Samsung 3D Smart TV products and hand-held devices. In line with the recent


Government announcement that the current ICT curriculum in schools will be replaced by Computer Science from September 2012, these new programmes will allow young people to work at the forefront of technological change. The Samsung Experience Academy will support local schools in the delivery of these new GCSE programmes by showcasing the latest Samsung smart devices. The Level 2 and 3 qualifications in software development and application (apps) development will supplement the Academy at Kidderminster’s innovative curriculum which also includes courses in games development and digital production. On completion of these qualifications, learners will be able to progress on to apprenticeships and employment within these industries which are currently experiencing skills shortages.


38 CHAMBERLINK FEBRUARY 2012


onstruction trainees at Enta are receiving essential on-the-job


training thanks to a new maintenance partnership between the Birmingham social enterprise and city- based Arkade Property. Enta launched its Construction, Landscape and Maintenance Service in February 2011 and the team has enjoyed a great first year, including a high-profile project to renovate the city’s Northside Welcome Centre. Continuing this strong start, manager Jude Quigley has now agreed a deal to provide maintenance support services to sales and lettings agency Arkade Property, which manages flats, houses and commercial properties across the West Midlands.


‘The service has enjoyed a really good first year’


Under the agreement, Jude accompanies Enta’s construction apprentices to oversee jobs, with the trainees carrying out the repairs, wherever possible. These range from fixing damaged lights and replacing locks, to carpentry and plastering services. This approach allows Enta to


provide young trainees with the essential skills and experience needed to secure sustainable employment. With one in five young people out of work this has never been more pressing. “The service has enjoyed a really good first year,” said Jude. “We are very proud of the quality we offer but we’ve also been able to give apprentices real work experience, which makes such a difference. The two lads that work with me at the moment, Liam Hubbard and Chris Preece, have both come on leaps and bounds by being able to put their training from the workshop into practice. Sarah Napier from Arkade Property added: “Enta


SPONSORED BY: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE


Enta the apprentices!


Service with a smile: Enta apprentices Liam Hubbard and Chris Preece


have been excellent, always responding quickly and completing jobs to a high standard. Our landlords are pleased with the low cost and the tenants remark on how friendly they are.”


For more information visit www.entapeople.com Hotel attracts over 1,500 applicants


A new Birmingham city centre hotel has attracted more than 1,500 applicants for a total of 100 full- and part-time jobs. Hotel La Tour, which opens its


£24m flagship venue in Albert Street, Birmingham, at the end of March, is recruiting for roles across all areas of its operations. These include a brasserie-style restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and dedicated conference and meetings floor. A number of key appointments


have already been made but vacancies remain for posts including Sous Chef plus a variety of roles in the restaurant, bar and reception.


Managing director Jane Schofield said: “Birmingham has certainly responded well to our recruitment drive. We aim to make great strides in improving the image of careers


in hospitality and are offering a great opportunity for people who are as serious as we are about helping set new standards for genuine customer service in the hotel industry.” Hotel La Tour aims to look after its


employees as well as it does its guests and employee benefits include:


• A boss who always remembers your birthday


• Discounts in hotel restaurant, bar, and coffee shop


• Great career prospects in a company which is going places:


Hotel La Tour plans to build five venues in the next five years.


Candidates can apply via the company’s website, www.hotel-latour.co.uk


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