The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre is part of a collaboration of educators and employers from South Yorkshire who have successfully secured over £12m to establish a new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT).
The Department for Education made the announcement as part of the second wave of IoT bids to have funding confirmed by the government.
New employer-led IoTs are designed to offer higher level technical education to help close skills gaps in key STEM areas. IoTs form part of the government’s plans to reform technical training to help employers get the skilled workforce they need and offer local people jobs.
The announcement was welcomed by AMRC Training Centre director Nikki Jones as an investment in the region’s skills and people.
She said: “This is fantastic news and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre is very proud to be working in true collaboration with other South Yorkshire educators and employers to help address some of the skills shortages in our region.
“This is about a new and exciting curriculum, driven by employers, that will develop the pipeline of talent businesses need to thrive and prosper in the region, and will give people better opportunities to develop and grow into better-paid, highly skilled careers.”
The collaboration includes DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre as core education partners. RNN Group, the Sheffield College and the National Centre for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure (NCATI) are also associate partners.
In addition, the core employer partners include AESSEAL PLC, Engie UK, HLM Architects and WANdisco. They will have a place on the Board of the IoT and one of them will be chair.
The South Yorkshire IoT will work closely with employers to provide specialist provision for over 1,500 learners, aiming to meet the demand for construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, and healthcare science higher level technical skills within the region.
Furthermore, the IoT will target key sectors and occupations, it aims to make a contribution to increasing the region’s productivity and ability to attract and retain employers with higher-level technical skilled roles.
Professor Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, added: “This is a step-change investment in technical education and Sheffield Hallam is delighted to have played our part in securing it. The IoT will drive economic success, build talent and create opportunities.”
The South Yorkshire IoT is also supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, all regional local authorities and local Chambers of Commerce.
