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

The Government has given the green light for a new 13m East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT).

Loughborough University, Loughborough College, the University of Derby, and the Derby College Group (DCG) will work together on the new Institute, which will create the highly advanced workforce needed to lead the digital revolution otherwise known as Industry 4.0.

The East Midlands IoT will 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.

Its pioneering graduates will be part of a net zero carbon workforce needed to lead the UKs green and digital revolution and support the UKs post-pandemic recovery and journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Based in the heart of the East Midlands, the IoT will specialise in programmes such as Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies; Information and Communication Technology; Science and Mathematics and Construction, Planning and the built environment.

The IoT will be working closely with global powerhouse employers, including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, National Grid ESO, Alstom, Fujitsu, Uniper and Bloc Digital, to ensure programmes level up the workforce with the right skills.

Students will have access to a new IoT centre in Loughborough, as well as partner sites, including world class training environments in Derby at the University of Derbys Enterprise Centre and DCGs Roundhouse technical and professional skills college.

Speaking about the announcement, Professor Rachel Thomson FREng, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching at Loughborough University, said: 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, Loughboroughs 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 createthe East MidlandsInstitute of Technology.

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

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

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: We are delighted that our application for an Institute of Technology in the heart of the region has been selected.

Through our strong industry links, business experience and experience offering placements and apprenticeships in the engineering and technology sector, we understand the importance of ensuring graduates are ready to meet the regions skills needs.

As an applied university, with specialisms in areas such as data science, advanced manufacturing, architectural technology and low carbon business support, we are well equipped to help deliver the Institute alongside our further and higher education partners from Derby and Loughborough, and within industry.

Mandie Stravino, CEO of Derby College Group (DCG): By working together across the FE and HE sectors, the development of the IoT will broaden opportunities for both young people entering the world of work and adults looking to re-train or upskill mid-career.

It will also open up more accessible routes to higher education for students who may not have previously considered this route to expand their immediate and future career options.

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.

Find out more about the successful bid for the East Midlands IoT here.

Press release reference number: PR 21/265

Loughborough is one of the countrys leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2021 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year for Sport by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2022.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2022, and 10th in both the Guardian University League Table 2022 and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Educations table of tables and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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New Institute of Technology will lead the UK's digital and green revolution - Loughborough University