New Institute of Technology could lead the UK’s digital and green revolution

Pioneering graduates from a new East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) would lead the UK’s green and digital revolution and form the beating heart of the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

Loughborough College, the University of Derby, Loughborough University and the Derby College Group (DCG) have joined forces on a £13m plan to create the highly advanced workforce needed to lead the digital revolution – otherwise known as Industry 4.0.

The East Midlands IoT would focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills needed by employers to address the grand engineering challenges of clean growth by embracing the advanced skills required for AI and a data-driven economy.

Graduates will be part of a net zero carbon workforce and support the UK’s journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Based in the heart of the East Midlands, the IoT would:

• Support students by specialising in programmes such as Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies; Information and Communication Technology; Science and Mathematics and Construction, Planning and the built environment;
• Work closely with global powerhouse employers to ensure programmes level up the workforce with the right skills
• Create an exciting new IoT centre in Loughborough, with students able to access all four sites, including world class training environments in Derby at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre and DCG’s Roundhouse technical and professional skills college

The East Midlands IoT has been selected by the Government to enter the final round of applications to become one of eight new UK IoTs.

The IoT would work in close partnership with its roster of anchor employers to develop the right skills and programmes, from T-Levels through to postgraduate degrees, required for those industries.

Mandie Stravino, CEO of Derby College Group (DCG), said: “DCG has a proven track record in working with employers to co-design and co-deliver our curriculum which will be a crucial element in the development of the IoT.   By working together, we will be able to provide a clear progression for workforce and employers to access the higher level skills they need to remain competitive in their global markets and offer an accessible route into high wage and high skilled employment both for young people entering the world of work and adults looking to up-skill.”

The successful applicants will be revealed later this year.