Public services provider Amey today officially launches its new International Design Hub in Birmingham and pledges its commitment to helping local young people by launching a new technical apprentice programme.
The hub, in Colmore Plaza, will be opened by Amey chief executive Mel Ewell and the leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby, at a special event attended by the city’s senior business, political and public sector figures held this evening.
Over the next six weeks consulting staff will be relocated to the Hub from Amey’s existing offices across the West Midlands. Back in April, the company committed to a further 500 jobs as part of the plans for the new venture. Today 250 have already been filled and a further 250 will be introduced over the next 2-3 years. The jobs are across a number of areas, including engineers, architects, town planners, CAD users and draftsmen.
As well as opening the International Design Hub, Amey used the event to launch a new apprenticeship programme, which it is piloting in the West Midlands.
The company, in conjunction with the Institute of Civil Engineers, is looking to recruit new apprentices, who will be based at the Design Hub. Amey is working with local schools and colleges to identify 16 to 24 year olds who would be interested in joining the programme.
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey said: “We are extremely proud to be opening Amey’s International Design Hub here in Birmingham – chosen because of its highly skilled workforce and history of being a centre of excellence for the engineering profession.
“Amey has a long history and association with the city and want to invest in the future of the engineering profession; therefore we are delighted to announce the launch of the Amey Technical Apprenticeship Programme that will operate out of this building. We will be recruiting new technical apprentices over the next 12 months that can learn from the international expertise in this building.”
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Mike Whitby, who was there as a special guest to launch the International Design Hub, said: “I am delighted that we are opening the International Design Hub today and wholeheartedly welcome Amey’s Technical Apprenticeship Programme in particular. Taking on local young apprentices displays a commitment to more than just Birmingham as a global city but also an investment in our future.
“To open the International design hub today, so soon after Mel and I made the announcement at MIPIM in Canne in April, is testament to Amey’s dedication to the city of Birmingham. Amey have displayed a confidence in Birmingham’s advantages as a city and their investment here vindicates our strategic vision to be known as a global business destination”.
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