26 May 2023

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

A celebration to mark the opening of a new multi-million-pound technical institute took place in Salford yesterday (Wednesday 17 May).

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.

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.“

Jackie Moores. Principal and Chief Executive officer at Tameside College and Clarendon Sixth Form College, said: “We are delighted that Tameside College is a partner of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology.  It reflects our ambition to deliver the best possible STEM provision to our community in East Manchester in collaboration with education and employer partners.  The GMIoT will widen the horizon of many learners by presenting new and exciting opportunities in higher technical education. Tameside College has supported employers by investing capital funds in specialist STEM buildings including: the Advanced Technology Centre and the Construction Skills Centre.  We look forward to sharing our fabulous resources with partners to create a curriculum, through apprenticeships and degrees, that delivers a pathway to highly skilled jobs.”

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

For more information on GMIoT, please visit our HE website