£13m Institute of Technology plan gets Government green light

Plans backed by Derby College Group and the University of Derby to create a new £13 million East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) have been given the go-ahead by the Government.

Last year, the college and the university revealed it had partnered with Loughborough College and Loughborough University to submit a bid for the IoT, which will create the highly advanced workforce needed to lead the digital revolution.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that our application for an Institute of Technology in the heart of the region has been selected.

“Through our strong industry links, business experience and experience offering placements and apprenticeships in the engineering and technology sector, we understand the importance of ensuring graduates are ready to meet the region’s skills needs.”

Mandie Stravino, chief executive of Derby College Group, said: “By working together across the FE and HE sectors, the development of the IoT will broaden opportunities for both young people entering the world of work and adults looking to re-train or upskill mid-career.”

The East Midlands IoT will focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills needed by employers to address the challenges of clean growth.

It will work closely with global powerhouse employers, including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom and Bloc Digital, to ensure programmes level up the workforce with the right skills.

Its pioneering graduates will be part of a net zero carbon workforce needed to lead the UK’s green and digital revolution and support the UK’s post-pandemic recovery and journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Based in the heart of the East Midlands, the IoT will specialise in programmes such as Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies; Information and Communication Technology; Science and Mathematics and Construction, Planning and the built environment.

Students will have access to a new IoT centre in Loughborough, as well as partner sites, including training environments in Derby at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre and DCG’s Roundhouse technical and professional skills college.

Professor Mitchell said: “As an applied university, with specialisms in areas such as data science, advanced manufacturing, architectural technology and low carbon business support, we are well equipped to help deliver the institute alongside our further and higher education partners from Derby and Loughborough, and within industry.”

Will Morlidge, interim chief executive at D2N2 LEP, said: “The new East Midlands Institute of Technology will be at the forefront of skills delivery, giving graduates the skills needed to lead the journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“It will play a crucial role in building a talent pipeline of net zero experts and supporting our collective ambition to lead the most ambitious carbon turnaround in the country.”