New Institute of Technology opens first site at university

A new state-of-the-art facility for computing students has opened at the University of Derby.

Based at the university’s Enterprise Centre, the facility is the first site of the new East Midlands Institute of Technology (EM IoT) to open and will support teaching in a range of digital and engineering subjects, such as computer games animation, design engineering and mechatronics.

The EM IoT aims to support the creation of a future-fit workforce for digital and low-carbon economies across the region.

The University of Derby is working with further and higher Education partners Derby College Group, the University of Loughborough and Loughborough College.

Companies including Bloc Digital, Alstom, Toyota UK and Rolls-Royce are among the employer partners, who will be providing industry insight to help shape the curriculum and opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through placements and visits.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to reach this significant milestone in establishing the East Midlands Institute of Technology with the opening of this state-of-the-art hub.

“The EM IoT will address the regional skills gap by producing a pipeline of outstanding graduates supporting businesses to upskill their existing workforce. It reflects the ambition we have for our region and the benefits that collaborative working can deliver for all involved.”

The development of EM IoT, which is one of a network of 21 IoTs across the country, is supported by the Department for Education, which has provided capital funding and strategic initiative, and the Gatsby Foundation, which is supporting the delivery of IoTs.

The University of Derby Hub is the first of three hub sites, with others in development at Derby College Group and Loughborough College.

Attending the launch event at the university were Pauline Latham, MP for Mid-Derbyshire; Rachel Quinn, executive director of the East Midlands Institute of Technology; representatives of the education and industry partners; and guests from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Derby City Council, the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Chamber.

Rachel said: “The EM IoT provides a huge opportunity to connect people across the region directly into the multiple and varied technical careers that are emerging as a result of the rapid and high-quality growth that is taking place here.

“Our partner employers are working closely with us to ensure education aligns with that growth and supplies the workforce they need for the future.

“This marks the launch of the first of three cutting-edge facilities that will deliver that vision and make it accessible to all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, pro vice-chancellor, dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “It’s fabulous that we have opened the University of Derby’s Institute of Technology hub and will be welcoming the first students over the next few weeks.

“Working with our partner employers, the EM IoT aims to produce graduates who are able to advance the region’s economy across the low carbon and digital sectors.”