For partners 
UCB is launching a new investment program: more than 15 million pounds sterling will be invested in restaurants, hotels, and other tourism facilities in Birmingham. The Cube Hotel, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Birmingham restaurant, the restaurant and bar on the Summer Row campus, the restaurant in Harborne — and this is far from the full list of the college's investment interests.
Once the plan is put into action, two goals will be achieved at once:
- The city's labour market will expand by 150 jobs (since the enterprises are commercial),
- College students will be able to practise in a real environment, with genuine tasks, guests, and requests, learning to respond to any challenges and sudden changes and situations. Even while studying, UCB students will be able to complete paid work placements or internships at these restaurants and hotels, and formalise apprenticeships.
Of course, the project will be most beneficial to those studying in the fields of hospitality/restaurant management, culinary arts and gastronomy, business, and enterprise management. Birmingham College of Food, as part of the UK college, has already produced several well-known chefs and hospitality leaders, so the project rests on a solid foundation.
The idea of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice is a current trend in British higher and vocational education — and not only British: practice-oriented curricula, active employer engagement, targeted programs, career fairs, apprenticeships, and internships all help graduates find employment quickly and develop as professionals. A clear career trajectory is an important bonus for prospective students: universities and colleges that can clearly demonstrate such prospects become noticeably more attractive to applicants.
Since 2020, University College Birmingham has already invested more than £300,000,000 in the renovation and modernisation of its campuses and surrounding infrastructure.
