DTSA to launch new #Pathway for Young People in Birmingham!
- Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Following a very kind referral and introduction by Stuart Bell, CEO of Amodal, our very first meeting with Barrie Hodge from the homelessness prevention charity, St. Basils took place over breakfast, in Birmingham City Centre, just a couple of months ago (in September 2025).
Having ascertained a common denominator between our targetted cohorts, being the 16-25yr young person _ all of whom have a clear desire to feel 'included' in society _ further substantiated by our joint 'purpose and mission'. In recognition of the UK Governments' Youth Guarantee and a number of documented industry 'pain points', we collectively agreed to schedule a further meeting, to discuss a number of potential 'socio-economic' opportunities in the construction sector.
Our next meeting, with Jean Templeton, CEO at St.Basils took place during Black History Month, as we collectively recognised the 'lack of representation' across the sector, which is 'still' proving to be a significant barrier for many young people, moreso those emerging from disadvantaged and under-represented (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) groups ........ with homelessness, creating an absolute and much deeper, disproportionate challenge.
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
Given the well documented and recent report by the UK Government, that there are circa 1million NEET's on record, the Digital Twin Skills Academy, 'DTSA' have made it a key pillar of our own mission-statement, to help the UK Government, stem the growth and attempt to reduce, the current, circa 948,000 young people who remain 'not in employment, education or training' (NEET).
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE _ via X
With the more general conversation and ambition firmly established, the next milestone for the DTSA, was the shape of any 'educational' further offer that could be co-curated between and delivered across both, third sector organisations
Credit: Dr Bola AbisogunOBE / OCN London
.......... the legacy of which, was also celebrated and published, last month [October 2025] by the Construction Leadership Council ...............
................... along with a committed focus on 'creating' a new #pathway into the evolving (and exciting) world of #digitalconstruction ........ just as we have successfully done in London!
Credit: Construction Leadership Council
Credit: Construction Leadership Council
Venue: Birmingham, Live & Work, William Booth Lane, B4
With a clearer understanding of the emerging 'opportunity' across the #WestMidlands defined by a dire lack of industry entrants, an ageing workforce and a woeful, lack of digital skills / AI literacy _ across the UK construction industry, particularly with regards the #GoldenThread and Building Safety Act 2022 _ our CEO NessaA and myself embarked upon a mission to extend our reach beyond London, with a targetted focus on the Midlands .......
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
Supported by a fellow nima #Ambassador, industry ally and our #SocialValue champion Stuart Bell, we met up (yes, again in Birmingham!!), this time to meet with the 'man of the moment', St.Basils' Director of Housing, Jas Singh .......
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
And what a meeting of minds it was ......... really good to meet ALL members of their amazing team too ....
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE _ via X
With the support of the West Midlands Combined Authority / Homes England, those of us present, enjoyed a "whistle stop tour" of the newly 'refurbished' accommodation, to observe first-hand, the current offer to 'local' Young People who have been successful in securing work, with a focus on the Apprenticeship route ... the latter of which fits well, with our 'current' focus at the DTSA ........
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
The main, Entrance foyer, showcasing the infamous 'St.Basils Youth Standards' .........
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
The foyer, leads to the 'main' communal space, which is complete with a Games Section, a casual / comfortable seating area and plenty of workspace ..........
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
Typical 'bedroom arrangements' are not too dissimilar from that currently offered by most upmarket & reputable 'student accommodation' providers ..........
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
Cooking and eating facilities are also presented & offered, in a 'communal' setting .......
With further recognition by and continued support from Barrie, we remain (as a group) deeply committed to ensure that the 'DTSA value-proposition', is designed and delivered to enhance and compliment the already amazing and very public, success called St Basils.
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE _ via X
Together with the St.Basils' Employability Team, 'our collective' focus on the wellbeing (and pastoral care) of all residents, whilst 'specifically' bringing into reach the clear and notable #career opportunity to enter the world of #digitalconstruction - remains (God willing) an ambitious target for both organisations .....
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
Nothing more to add, other than a HUGE THANKYOU to all at St.Basils 🤩 - it's time to get to work, to design, create and maintain #5D #DigitalTwins (to support #Project #IIRIS) - all coming to a site / construction project near you in Digbeth, #Birmingham whilst recognising the vast potential across #Coventry #Dudley #Sandwell #Solihull #Walsall and #Wolverhampton; watch this space ... !!!
Credit: Dr Bola Abisogun OBE
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