The North-East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) has further strengthened its position as the region’s hub for technical excellence by welcoming TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College into its growing partnership.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in the NEIoT’s mission to build a more cohesive, employer-endorsed skills system.
Gary Potts, Deputy Principal for Skills and Partnerships, joined fellow strategic partners in welcoming the new organisations to the growing NEIoT collaboration.
By bringing together these high-profile institutions, the NEIoT’s collaborative reach across the North-East is stronger, directly addressing the urgent need for higher technical skills in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), Construction and the Built Environment and Digital and AI.
Dr. Sharon Grant, Director of NEIoT, welcomed the new partners. She said: “The North-East Institute of Technology was created to bring education and industry together to meet the region’s higher technical skills needs, and the addition of TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College is another important step forward.
“Building on the strong foundations established since 2020 and further strengthened in 2025 with the addition of Bishop Auckland College, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Derwentside College, this growing partnership strengthens our ability to respond to employer demand across Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, and Digital and AI. By working collaboratively, we are creating a simpler, more joined-up skills system, reducing duplication, raising aspirations, and delivering employer-endorsed, industry-relevant provision.
“Together, we are stronger, smarter, and better placed to support economic growth across the region.”
The NEIoT serves as a strategic bridge between education and industry, acting as a ‘front door’ for employers to engage with the region’s talent pipeline.
By working together, the partners reduce duplication and replication in training, ensuring that the curriculum is enriched by industry insights and aligned with the specific economic needs of the North-East.
This smarter, joined-up thinking approach is designed to raise aspirations for learners while making it easier for businesses to access the specialised higher technical qualifications required for the future.
The addition of TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College complements the existing network of Bishop Auckland, Derwentside, Hartlepool, New College Durham, East Durham, Middlesbrough and Tyne Coast colleges, alongside Newcastle University and lead employer partners Esh Group and Nissan.
As one of the UK’s first 12 Institutes of Technology, the NEIoT continues to make significant investments in purpose-built centres equipped with world-class technology.
These facilities provide learners with the environments they need to master the latest advancements in the built environment, motor vehicle and digital sectors.
By promoting a ‘stronger together’ ethos, the NEIoT is building a smarter, more integrated ecosystem that ensures the North-East remains at the forefront of the UK’s industrial and digital future.
Find out more about NEIoT courses delivered at Middlesbrough College here.
