A new technical training hub is set to transform training in Tees Valley – paving the way for students to gain higher-level technical skills before embarking on their dream careers.
And as the only college in Tees Valley to be selected by the Department for Education as a partner in the North East’ Institute of Technology (NEIoT), Middlesbrough College is leading the way when it comes to delivering high level technical education that will benefit both learners and local industry.
So, what actually is an IoT?
Institutes of Technology (IoT) are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities recognised for their outstanding technical training, and employers. The North East’s employer-led IoT will offer higher level technical training to help close skills gaps in key STEM areas – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Middlesbrough College will be the sole deliverer of IoT accredited courses in the Tees Valley, across disciplines such as construction, engineering, business management and digital.
What does it mean for businesses?
The IoT’s technical courses are designed with the needs of businesses in mind and address the skills shortage across multiple industries not only in the region, but nationally too.
Take the digital sector for example – the number of learners studying computing or a digital-related subject at school is falling sharply at about 20 per cent per year – while jobs in that sector here in Tees Valley are going up about 10 per cent per year.
And in construction, there has been a shortage of skilled workers for a number of years now, with an ageing UK construction workforce and more recently, from the effects of Brexit where migrant workers have returned to their home countries due to uncertainty.
With a focus on hands-on experience, the College’s courses are developed with driving innovation in mind, to ensure students are at the forefront of the latest learning and technology.
Taking technical training higher
Middlesbrough College’s role in the North East Institute of Technology builds on its pioneering work with the Open University and Pearson UK Ltd, which has provided more accessible, affordable and flexible higher education in the Tees Valley.
As well as young people taking T Levels or A Levels who want to progress to higher technical education, there are courses for adult learners who want access further training and people already in employment who want to develop new skills.
The exciting range of IoT accredited courses at Middlesbrough College range from Level 3 to Level 6 and include specialisms such as electrical and electronic engineering, manufacturing engineering, building services engineering, civil engineering, construction management, business and computing.
Vocationally orientated Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs) are qualifications specifically designed to provide practical, industry related skills to both college leavers and those already working in a job who require new skills.
Perhaps an employer needs new technical skills to grow its product offering, has a group of promising junior staff it wants to retain or is looking to develop its senior team – these specialist Higher Education courses engineer the skills businesses need to increase productivity, improve competencies and futureproof their workforce.
Typically, learners follow a three-year trajectory – starting with a one-year HNC course, moving to HND and then finally on to BEng Hons courses, awarded by the Open University.
When does it launch?
The College is taking applications for its accredited IoT programmes now, ready for enrolment this summer.
Due for completion in August 2021, the College’s unrivalled £20m STEM Centre will be expanded to include a dedicated higher educational environment in a technical setting. The purpose-built University Centre will feature a bespoke higher education study area, classrooms and tutorial zones, with easy access to the technical and specialist industry equipment and facilities required for a range of technical courses.
With industry trained experts developing and delivering training, Middlesbrough College’s aim is to deliver world class training and to shape the skills agenda for the 21st Century.
Middlesbrough College is also the only general further education college in the Tees Valley to secure gold status in the Teaching Excellence Standard Framework Awards – a prestigious assessment that puts it in the top 20% of higher education providers in the country.
To explore the range of courses on offer or to find out how your business could benefit from the IoT, call 01642 333333.
Click here for more information on the Institute of Technology
