AI and green skills can lead the way in 2024 – Walsall College

12 Jan 2024

Published in: Member News

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The Black Country Chamber of Commerce speaks to the Assistant Principal for Commercial Development at Walsall College.

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In our latest Ready for 2024 interview, James Norris, Assistant Principal for Commercial Development at Walsall College, calls on Black Country businesses to “embrace new trends in AI and green skills” as the region’s companies shape a new future.

In his senior role at the Chamber Patron, James says local firms should recognise the “potential of digital tools and software” and take up the partnership opportunities available in the region.

Working in skills and training, James believes the Black Country economy can benefit from local supply chains being able to “seize opportunities in major regeneration projects and in turn grow their workforces”.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the companies looking forward to building success in 2024.

Through Ready for 2024, we are speaking members who are ready to deliver on their exciting plans during the 12 months ahead.

Each day we are featuring member firms, ranging from start-ups to large companies, on the Chamber website and social media channels to share their opinions on the opportunities for the taking during the next year.

What will the College be focussing upon in 2024?

The College will continue developing its study and training offer in line with local economic priorities and growth areas, including construction, health, digital and the creative industries. Apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities at Level 3 and above for learners aged 19 and over will also become more prominent for us, with the aim of supporting jobseekers and those looking to retrain for new careers.

What are your hopes for the Black Country economy and its businesses in 2024?

That we fully embrace new trends in AI and green skills. Local employers should be offered research and pilot project support to unlock the potential of digital tools and software and understand how to bring these into their business operations. Our onsite Digital Innovation Hub can help with this.

Why will the Black Country be a great place to do business in the 12 months ahead?

With substantial investments like Walsall’s Construction Growth Skills Fund and the potential for more funding, local supply chains will be able to seize opportunities in major regeneration projects and in turn grow their workforces through available recruitment and training support programmes. The Business Growth West Midlands Initiative is an example of funding available.

What will you use your Chamber membership for in the year ahead?

There are many exciting development projects and regeneration plans coming together in and around Walsall being driven by local industry collaboration, including from fellow patrons. We aim to build on these collaborations for lasting benefits to local people and businesses. We also take pride in representing the business community in wider circles and at a national level, including sharing views, insights and ideas around education and skills reform.

What do you hope will happen for the UK economy as a whole?

The further education sector, with its expertise and connections, is uniquely positioned to address industry skill priorities. Colleges like ours anticipate the broader impact of this, with employers sharing best practice that leads to positive, tangible outcomes in economic aspirations, social mobility, upskilling and growth. Examples of this include T Level students advancing to degree apprenticeships with employers who provided their industry placements, existing workforces progressing through English, maths and digital skills support or apprenticeships, as well as students on vocational courses moving to university.

What does your College do?

We are an education and training provider, supporting people into higher levels of study and jobs. For more information visit: www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

Our address: Littleton Street West, Walsall, WS2 8ES