(2 years, 3 months ago)
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The Minister for Further and Higher Education (Michelle Donelan)
I am pleased to say that on 17 December we announced the creation of nine new Institutes of Technology (IoTs) following the conclusion of the Wave 2 competition, subject to their proposals being turned into binding agreements. This brings the number of IoTs across the country to 21. All nine proposals met our quality standards and having an additional IoT to that which we committed to in our manifesto will provide even greater geographical coverage.
The Wave 2 competition delivered a range of high-quality proposals demonstrating a keen understanding of learner and employer needs and clear partnership working. They will benefit from up to £120 million of Government investment to fund industry-standard facilities and equipment. I am pleased to announce the lead organisations for the successful proposals and the areas they will cover below:
Blackpool and The Fylde College (Lancashire LEP area)
Cheshire College South and West (Cheshire and Warrington LEP area)
Chichester College Group (Coast to Capital LEP area)
DN Colleges Group (Sheffield LEP area)
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire LEP area)
Solent University (Solent LEP area)
South Essex College (South East LEP area)
University of Derby (D2N2 and Leicestershire LEP areas)
University of Salford (Greater Manchester LEP area)
Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are collaborations between further education providers, universities and employers, with employers at the heart of decision making, curriculum development and delivery. They specialise in delivering higher technical education, supporting our aim to reform technical training to help employers get the skilled workforce they need and offer local people rewarding jobs and higher paid long-term careers.
The first wave of 12 Institutes of Technology in areas such as Yorkshire and Humber, the West Midlands, North East, South West and London were backed by £170 million investment to fund industry-standard facilities and equipment. Most are already open to learners.
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