Local Growth Fund grants £954,983 to support Launch of North East Institute of Technology

Following the news today that New College Durham has been awarded a licence to operate as an Institute of Technology (IoT), the North East local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is pleased to announce it will support the IoT with a Local Growth Fund grant of £954,983 for specialist infrastructure and equipment to enable delivery of essential skills for robotics, pneumatics, mechatronics, hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing, service & repair, fabrication and welding.

The IoT will see New College Durham work in partnership with Nissan, Esh Group and Newcastle University to deliver quality higher-level technical training in subjects such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Further education and private training providers also collaborating with the North East Institute of Technology are Sunderland College, Tyne Coast College, East Durham College, Middlesbrough College, and NA College Trust.

Helen Golightly, Chief Executive at the North East LEP, said:

“We’re pleased to see that New College Durham has today been awarded their licence to operate as an Institute of Technology (IoT), offering quality higher-level technical pathways for learners in the North East. Funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund have been allocated to support the IoT with the purchase of essential equipment such as industry-grade machinery for students to use.

“As this initiative aims to help to close skills gaps in key STEM areas, and focus on the specific technical skills required to provide employers with the skilled workforce they need, using professional grade equipment which will be found in the workplace is essential and help produce work-ready employees.”

The Local Growth Fund is supporting major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport as part of the North East Growth Deal.

Institutes of Technology form a key part of the Government’s biggest shake up to technical education in a generation. This includes introducing new T Levels from 2020 – the technical equivalent to A Levels – and more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.

You can read more about IoTs here.