University to take share of £170m tech boost

The University of Lincoln has been chosen as one of just 12 colleges and universities in the UK in line for a share of £170m and a licence to call itself an Institute of Technology.

The Institutes will be collaborations between universities, Further Education colleges, and leading employers including Nissan, Siemens and Microsoft. They will specialise in delivering higher level technical training (at Level 4 and 5) in STEM subjects, such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering that will provide employers with the skilled workforce they need.

Institutes of Technology form a key part of the Government’s biggest shake up to technical education in a generation. This includes introducing new T Levels from 2020 – the technical equivalent to A Levels – and more apprenticeship opportunities.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “These new Institutes of Technology will be the pinnacle of technical training – new collaborations between universities, colleges and business to make sure young people have the skills they need to build a well-paid rewarding, career, while the economy gains the skilled workers it needs to be more productive.

“Institutes of Technology will help employers to get the skilled workforce they need, especially in much sought-after STEM skills and will offer young people a clear path to a great, well paid career.”

The full list of the new Institutes of Technology is:

Barking & Dagenham College
Dudley College of Technology
HCUC
Milton Keynes College
New College Durham
Queen Mary University of London
Solihull College & University Centre
Swindon College
University of Exeter
University of Lincoln
Weston College of Further and Higher Education
York College