A Walsall College apprentice has made it through to the final of the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition. After taking part in the Midlands regional heat of the competition at Stephenson College on 17^th February, student Joe Breadon, who is currently completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation with Tamworth-based SRW Electrics, was named the overall runner-up across all of the heats based on his impressive score.

The Department for Education has made significant progress in providing 15 hours of free childcare to more parents of 3- and 4-year olds and parents of disadvantaged 2-year-olds, according to the National Audit Office. It has not yet, however, achieved full value for money because it cannot track the effectiveness of its substantial investment of £2.7 billion.

An apprenticeship scheme run in partnership between Makers Construction and Walsall College has been shortlisted for a national award. The Lichfield-based structural refurbishment firm is up for a Front Line award at the 2016 British Parking awards. The award recognises outstanding performance by staff in the sector.

People have already travelled more than one and a half times around the world in the first week of Wolverhampton's smash hit Beat the Street challenge. The walking, cycling and running game is proving a massive success, with people across the city signing up to take part. And within the first seven days of the seven week challenge, Wolverhampton has already completed a fantastic 40,000 miles – that's getting on for twice the circumference of the globe and a nearly a fifth of the way to the moon!

The Fair had a fantastic 40 stands on show to the young people at Willenhall E-Act Academy. About 500 students from the age of 13 to 18 attended the Your Future Careers Fair. This event was free to attend and gave young people a chance to meet a variety of further education providers, training providers, apprenticeship supporters and local businesses offering advice and guidance. 

Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng visited Birmingham City University to be shown the site where high speed trains will be arriving in to the Second City from 2026. The University’s fast-developing campus offered the Minister the best possible view of the proposed HS2 terminal, including the Grade I listed entrance building to the original Curzon Street railway station – the world's oldest surviving piece of monumental railway architecture.