Greater Manchester Institute of Technology launch highlights the future of technical education

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, partner colleges and the best of industry gathered at the University of Salford to celebrate the launch of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT). The modern development is set to develop a skilled workforce of the future that will boost the growth of STEM industries, both regionally and beyond.

The centre will open its doors to students in September following two years planning from the partners – Ada, the National College for Digital Skills; Bury College; Tameside College; The University of Salford; Wigan & Leigh College; GCHQ; Laing O’Rourke; Siemens; and TalkTalk.

The GMIoT will offer a range of courses, including new Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher National Diplomas and apprenticeships, as well as digital and technical skills boot camps and short courses designed to fast track learners into jobs in growth sectors for Greater Manchester.

Partners for the Institute explained to guests why the development will be a game-changer when it comes to technical education.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology Claire Foreman, said: “When it comes to technical education, I think as a country we have neglected it and it is fantastic that this initiative puts it back on the map for the people and the businesses of Greater Manchester.

“We’re part of a network of 21 Institutes of Technology across the country and we are all charged with increasing the range and scope of technical education and ensuring there are good pathways into degrees, PhDs and work.”

Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are the government’s flagship programme designed to spearhead the delivery of level 4 / 5 higher technical education in STEM subjects. The first wave of 12 IoTs have already opened across the country.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “University education is not strictly academic or strictly technical, it is often a blend of both when it comes to preparing people for life beyond university.

“In Greater Manchester we have the simple premise that there is a path for all in life – there is not one better path and one inferior path, there is a need to create equal paths, technical and university, to the qualifications that young people will need. “

Ian Turner, Talent Director at TalkTalk, added: “As employers, as the GMIoT and as a community, we collectively need to reach those underrepresented groups in society and inspire them with a vision of a career that maybe they previously felt was unachievable. As employers, we need to recruit for potential. It’s not just about the here and now and the skills that we need today - technology is moving at lightspeed so we need people that can come along on that journey with us.”

Anna Dawe, Wigan & Leigh College Principal & Chief Executive, said: “The GM IoT will provide opportunity and raise aspiration and attainment in technical education across Greater Manchester. It’s reach into boroughs such as Wigan, Bury and Tameside as well as our city centres will remove barriers to higher technical study and has the potential to be truly transformative.”

The GMIoT will open its doors to the first cohort of students this September, with further new programmes starting in 2024.

Photos: Nick Harrison