Ground broken on new Institute of Technology

Construction work has officially started on new cutting-edge education and training facilities at a campus belonging to Derby College Group.

The East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals and in technology-related fields.

Now, work has started on a new EMIoT building at the college’s Roundhouse Campus on Pride Park.

The EMIoT is a collaboration between academia and industry. Its partners include Derby College Group and the University of Derby, along with employers such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota Manufacturing UK, Alstom and Bloc Digital.

Recently, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at the college to mark the beginning of construction.

Kate Martin, deputy principal at Derby College Group, said: “The Institute of Technology represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of education and training at DCG.

“This facility will not only meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector but will also serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and industry partnerships.

“By collaborating across the FE and HE sectors, the development of the IoT will increase chances for those wishing to retrain or upskill mid-career as well as young people entering the workforce.”

The new building at Derby College aims to deliver world-class, research-orientated, employer-led learning facilities, founded on clean growth and digital delivery.

It will provide programmes that will deliver a workforce with future ready skills.

The facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative workspaces designed to provide students with a hands-on and immersive learning experience.

Supported by Department of Education funding, the EMIoT will open in August 2024, with a college community of 2,000 learners by academic year 2027.

It is being constructed by Davlyn Construction, with the firm’s Ellis Boyall, managing the build.

He is a former Derby College Group student, having initially studied carpentry.

He then went onto a level 3 NVQ diploma in construction contracting operations at the college’s Hudson and Johnson buildings, completing a foundation degree in construction and the built environment.

During his time with DCG, he also helped with the construction work of buildings at Broomfield Hall Campus.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to lead the onsite work for the construction of the IoT.

“I studied at the college in 2009 and 2014 and it is great for me to be able to apply my learnt skills, as DCG has significantly helped me in my career.

“It is particularly exciting, being involved in the building of the IoT, as the new building will help the next generation of learners on their career journey.”

Throughout 2024, Ellis will also be addressing the DCG students and giving an insight into his career path and working in construction.

He will also be hosting tours around the site for the students to help them understand the elements that they may be working on within their classrooms.

Ellis said: “I hope I can inspire others to consider joining the construction industry.”