New Institute of Technology set to be created at college

A new tech hub, which aims to provide the engineering, manufacturing and digital skills needed by employers to address the challenges of clean growth, is set to be created at a site belonging to Derby College Group.

The East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) facility will be located at the front of the Stephenson building, on the college’s Roundhouse campus, on Pride Park.

The East Midlands IoT, which is a partnership between the college, the University of Derby, Loughborough College, and Loughborough University, aims to deliver a world-class, research-orientated, employer-led ‘learning factory’.

The East Midlands IoT is working closely with employers, including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom and Bloc Digital to ensure programmes deliver a workforce with the right skills for the future.

Mandie Stravino OBE, 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 new facility at DCG will greatly aid this.

“It will also open up more accessible routes to higher education for students who may not have previously considered this route to expand their immediate and future career options.”

The East Midlands 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.

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.

Supported by Department of Education funding, the East Midlands IoT is due to open in September 2024, with a college community of 2,000 learners by academic year 2027.

Planning has been secured and a workable budget has been supported subject to approval by the Department for Education.

The works on site to create the new building are scheduled to start in August, subject to all approvals.

The IoT development is in addition to the recently announced new automotive training facilities, which are also set to be created at Derby College Group’s Roundhouse campus.

Earlier this month, the college announced it was to receive £3.5 million from the Government’s Post 16 Capacity Fund to create additional capacity for learners aged 16 to 19 years old.