Institutes of Technology: National Network Conference

In partnership with the Department for Education, Gatsby Charitable Foundation hosted the Institutes of Technology Conference at the Institute of Directors (IOD) in July.

The Institutes of Technology were delighted to welcome almost 140 representatives from across the National Network of Institutes of Technology (IoTs). Senior representatives from leading industry partners, directors of regional IoTs, vice-chancellors of universities, and special guests from the Department of Education attended the event, hosted by award winning engineer and educator Yewande Akinola.

The event focused on how Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are building strong partnerships between education providers and employers, and provided an opportunity for guests to identify new opportunities for their organisations — at a local and national level – while celebrating the strength of partnerships to date.

During his opening address, David Sainsbury said:

“We need to ensure every employer looking to upskill their workforce and every prospective learner looking to improve their job prospects know about Institutes of Technology and the courses, apprenticeships and new opportunities they offer.”

Special guest, Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State, joined Ian Mander (Nord Lock) and Sameer Savani (GKN Aerospace) for the morning plenary session, during which Gillian remarked:

“When trying to create a market advantage, skills are the biggest differentiator, and they don’t come without a lot of effort. So, trying to get business and education working together is the most important thing.

We’ve got all the pieces in place at the time that the need for skills really has been exacerbated and accelerated. I think IoTs are the jewel in the crown”

Conference sessions also explored how these collaborations can improve diversity in the STEM workforce, address the skills needed to meet Net Zero, hasten economic progress, and much more…

Rounding off the conference, Steve Mariadas, Chair of the National Network of Institutes of Technology, focused on the opportunity for collaboration nationally, commenting:

“As a family, we are unstoppable.”

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology is part of a growing national network of 77 colleges, 35 universities and 99 employers, we will play an important role in addressing the skills shortage and delivering the Local Skills improvement plan to build Greater Manchester’s economy.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology, please email info@gmiot.org.uk