Courses

£4m Wirral Met expansion reaches halfway stage

A £4m investment at Wirral Met’s Twelve Quays campus in Birkenhead has reached the half way point with the handover of our new Maths and English Centre by contractor Krol Corlett.

The new centre is now ready to welcome students for the start of the academic year in September and forms part of a wider programme of developments taking place across the campus.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been the opportunity for our Construction students and apprentices to gain valuable real-world experience on site, working alongside industry professionals and seeing first-hand how a major construction project is delivered.

The new Maths and English Centre will provide students with a modern, dedicated learning environment designed to help them develop the essential skills that underpin success in education, employment and everyday life.

The project will now move into its next phase with the completion of the new NEXUS Engineering Hub, which is expected to be finished in October. Delivering the development while the campus remains fully operational requires careful planning and close collaboration between all partners.

Gill Banks, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met College, said:

"Students will benefit from a dedicated, modern environment designed to help them develop the essential Maths and English skills that underpin success in education, employment and life.

"We're also particularly pleased that our Construction apprentices have had the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience throughout the project, working alongside industry professionals and seeing first-hand how a major construction development is delivered.

"Experiences like this are invaluable in preparing the next generation of skilled workers for successful careers in the sector.

"I would like to personally thank the team at Krol Corlett, who have been exceptional partners throughout the project."

Dan Tebay, Managing Director of Krol Corlett and a former Wirral Met student who achieved his joinery qualifications at the College, added:

"Aside from delivering on time and to budget, one of the most pleasing aspects of this project is how many of the College's Construction students we've been able to involve.

"The classroom is vital, but there's nothing like being on site experiencing how a complex project is delivered, the discipline needed to ensure everything runs smoothly and the camaraderie between the different trades.

"Hats off to all the students involved so far. They've done a fantastic job and have been a great help."

The wider project team includes 10 Architect, MDA Wirral (Structures), Futureserv (Building Services) and SDA Consulting (Cost Consultants).

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.