Skills Hub Celebrates Award Shortlisting and a Year of Impact
09/07/26
While we didn’t bring home the trophy at this year’s WMCA Adult Learning Awards, we’re incredibly proud that the work of the Topcliffe House Skills Hub was recognised through a shortlist place as part of the Birmingham Anchor Neighbourhood Learning Network.
The Birmingham Anchor Network partnership brings us together with Bournville Village Trust, South & City College Birmingham, BMet College and Birmingham Adult Education Service.
Within the partnership, the Digital Together project was shortlisted for its innovative approach to bringing learning, skills and employment opportunities directly into local communities. This project also involved Free@Last, a community organisation in Nechells, and DigiKicks, a digital skills training provider.
Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and shows the positive difference being made across Castle Vale and Shenley through accessible, community-based learning and employment support.
A year of success
The shortlist also gives us an opportunity to celebrate the impact the Skills Hub has had over the last academic year.
From August 2025 to July 2026:
- 106 residents registered for employment support
- 98 positive outcomes were achieved, including employment, volunteering and becoming work-ready
- 34 residents secured paid employment
- The Job Club welcomed 483 visits from local people seeking support and advice
Alongside employability support, the hub has continued to develop opportunities for residents to learn new skills and build confidence through education.
During the year:
- 51 learners registered for community learning courses
- Learning activities generated 476 attendances
- 24 learners took part in Digital Skills sessions
- 6 learners completed Learn My Way and are progressing to further IT learning
- 16 residents completed an AI skills workshop
- 5 residents completed the Living Life to the Full wellbeing course
Working with Birmingham Adult Education Service and BMet College, residents have also accessed courses covering IT, English, creative writing, volunteering, parenting skills, budgeting, sustainability and mental wellbeing.
One learner has even been nominated for an Outstanding Learner Award, while others have progressed into accredited qualifications and further learning opportunities.
The success of the Skills Hub shows what can be achieved when organisations work together around a shared goal. By bringing employment support, skills development and adult learning into the heart of the community, the Birmingham Anchor Neighbourhood Learning Network is helping residents access opportunities closer to home and take positive steps towards their goals.
While the award wasn’t ours this time, being recognised alongside some of the region’s most impactful projects is something everyone involved should be proud of.
Most importantly, the real success stories belong to the residents who have gained confidence, developed new skills, returned to learning and moved closer to employment through the support available at Topcliffe House.
