West Midlands picked for two ‘Institutes of Technology’

The government has announced the locations of 12 “Institutes of Technology” in England, intended to provide high-quality skills training, two of which are in the West Midlands.

They will begin opening from the autumn, supported by funding of £170m, with Aston University and Dudley College of Technology picked as locations.

The institutes, a collaborations between universities, further education colleges and employers including Nissan, Siemens and Microsoft, will specialise in delivering higher level technical training in STEM subjects, such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering.

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.

“I’m determined to properly establish higher technical training in this country – so that it’s recognised and sought after by employers and young people alike. These Institutes are a key part of delivering this. We are transforming technical education including introducing new T Levels from 2020 and more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. But we want more young people to progress and get the higher level qualifications that lead to high skilled, more rewarding jobs.

“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.”

Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, said: “Expanding high-quality technical education and training is a top priority for employers who will welcome this extra investment.

“Institutes of Technology help bridge the gap between A-Levels or T-Levels, and a bachelors or degree apprenticeship – providing higher-level skills, especially in STEM, that businesses tell us time and again they need to succeed. These new Institutes must also help ensure T-Levels are a long-lasting part of our education system and open the door to great careers or further training.”

The locations for the Institutes of Technology are:

Barking and Dagenham College, east London
Dudley College of Technology, west Midlands
Harrow College and Uxbridge College, west London
Milton Keynes College, Buckinghamshire
New College Durham, north-east England
Queen Mary University of London, east London
Solihull College and University Centre, west London
Aston University, Birmingham
Swindon College, Wiltshire
University of Exeter, Devon
Weston College of Further and Higher Education, Somerset
York College, York