The Department for Education (DfE) is awarding £170 million to establish a network of Institutes of Technology nationally offering top-quality training and apprenticeships in higher-level technical skills. These aim to bridge skills gaps in the economy by providing the knowledge and training that employers need.

In September 2019, the South West IoT proposal was approved to deliver a range of higher level courses across the digital, engineering and manufacturing sectors. SWIoT will operate as virtual college, specialising in technical training and development for the South West. The SWIoT will specialise in delivering higher technical education with a focus on technical subjects, such as engineering, digital and construction.

The SWIoT draws on expertise from 12 partner organisations, including the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc, Truro & Penwith College and Bridgwater & Taunton College, each investing in the development of state-of-the-art facilities for training in technical subjects to create Britain’s next generation of highly skilled technicians and engineers.

We are working collaboratively with employers to ensure the curriculum is industry-led and responds to workforce and skill needs. Employer partners include digital experts from Oxygen House, Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd, the Met Office, engineering and manufacturing experts from Babcock, TDK Lambda and Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group. This project is also supported by both Heart of the South West and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).