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

The government has approved a new £13 million East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT).

The new Institute will bring together Loughborough University, Loughborough College, the University of Derby, and the Derby College Group (DCG) to build the highly advanced workforce required to drive the digital transformation, also known as Industry 4.0.

By adopting the advanced skills required for AI and a data-driven economy, the East Midlands IoT will focus on raising the critical engineering, manufacturing, and digital skills needed by employers to handle the great engineering problems of clean growth.

Its pioneering graduates will be part of a net zero carbon workforce that will help the UK lead the green and digital revolution, as well as boost the country’s post-pandemic recovery and road to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The IoT, which will be based in the heart of the East Midlands, will focus on Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Information and Communication Technology, Science and Mathematics, and Construction, Planning, and the Built Environment.

To ensure that programs level up the workforce with the proper skills, the IoT will work closely with global powerhouse businesses including as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, National Grid ESO, Alstom, Fujitsu, Uniper, and Bloc Digital.

Students will have access to a new IoT centre in Loughborough, as well as partner sites such as the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre and DCG’s Roundhouse technical and professional skills college in Derby, which will provide world-class training facilities.

Professor Rachel Thomson FREng, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching at Loughborough University, commented on the news:

“We are truly delighted that our bid has been successful and look forward to continuing to work with our Further and Higher Education and employer partners to deliver an outstanding Institute of Technology. This will provide much-needed digital and engineering skills for industry and business across the region, supporting our local community to access the right training and skills development at the point of need.”

Professor Nick Jennings, Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor and President, added:

 “The University has always enjoyed great partnerships with industry, and they remain a key a priority as we move forward with our new strategy. The Institute will play a vital role in strengthening our partnerships even further, and I would like to congratulate all those involved in this important initiative. It will be a great asset to the region.”

Jo Maher, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been successful in our bid to create the East Midlands Institute of Technology.

“This presents us with an exciting and inspiring opportunity to deliver world class programmes which will lead the UK’s green and digital revolution and form the beating heart of the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

“It is a privilege to collaborate with such exceptional partners and anchor employers to create a pathway which will accelerate the UK’s journey to a net zero carbon economy, whilst providing incredible training and employment opportunities for people throughout the region.”

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