Solihull College & University Centre’s Woodlands Campus in Smith’s Wood recently welcomed a senior delegation from Changzhou, China, in partnership with Solihull Council.
Changzhou, the delta area of the Yangtze River, is one of the country’s leading performers in terms of economic growth. It has identified Solihull as a place with a similar business profile, as both regions have strengths in the automotive, aerospace and rail sectors. Changzhou wants to develop a relationship with Solihull to deepen trade links and collaborative working.
The delegation included the Deputy Director of Changzhou Education Bureau and representatives from their vocational institutes and middle schools. They met with College Principal and Chief Executive John Callaghan and Director of Employment and Skills, Shaun Hindle.
The delegates visited the Smith’s Wood campus and met teaching staff from each of the faculties as well as having a tour of facilities. This included the new Aerospace facilities with aircraft simulators and a former royal navy aircraft, the Motor Vehicle workshops and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre.
Councillor Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Managed Growth at Solihull Council commented,
“It was a real pleasure for the Borough to welcome the delegation from Changzhou and their education establishments to Solihull. Visits like this are helping to build a successful relationship with a leading region within China, the world’s strongest economy.
“The facilities available at the Woodlands campus are an excellent example of our strength in aerospace and automotive and how we are leading the way as a region in terms of engineering and specialist skills.”
The delegation went on to meet Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, Councillor Ken Meeson, Director of Children’s Services and Skills, Sally Hodges and Employment & Skills Manager, Martin O’Connor – to further discuss their education system and links to industry.
The Council is working with Changzhou to develop the next steps including partnerships with organisations involved in the visit, as well as exploring trade links between the two regions
For more information on the courses available at Solihull College & University Centre visit www.solihull.ac.uk/Courses or call 0121 678 7000.
