New Greater Manchester Institute of Technology in Salford to welcome its first students in September

A new multi-million-pound education institution in Greater Manchester will welcome its first students through the doors later this year.

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology will open in September in Salford as part of a national scheme to roll out high-level teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. The project is being led by the University of Salford and Wigan and Leigh College and brings together a number of education institutions and employers from across the city-region. It is hoped the courses will help to fast-track students into some of the biggest growth areas in Greater Manchester’s economy and jobs market. Here’s what the new institute will offer students and what has been said about its slated opening.

What is the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology?

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), which will open in September after being granted a licence by the Department for Education, will specialise in construction, engineering, health and digital skills.

It has brought together a number of colleges and employers across the city-region in an effort led by the University of Salford with Wigan and Leigh College acting as the lead further education (FE) partner. Two years of work have gone into the proposals for the college, which it is hoped will attract school and college leavers thinking about a career in STEM and older learners who are looking to upskill or retrain.

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 across Greater Manchester.

It’s all part of a Government programme to deliver more level four and level five higher technical education in STEM subjects. In the first wave of institutes 12 facilities opened across the country, with the Greater Manchester facility being part of the second wave.

The GMIoT will have a hub and spoke model, with money being ploughed into a new centre at the University of Salford with hubs across Greater Manchester. This will involve the upgrading of existing facilities at the institute’s partner colleges. The other organisations and companies involved in creating the institute are Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, Bury College, Tameside College, GCHQ, Laing O’Rourke, Siemens and TalkTalk.

What has been said about the creation of the GMIoT?

The college’s September opening has been hailed as good news for the city-region by the educational institutes and businesses involved and local politicians.

Jo Purves, pro vice-chancellor of academic development at the University of Salford, said: “We are delighted that we’ve been successful in our efforts to bring an Institute of Technology to Greater Manchester. The GMIoT will make a valuable contribution to the education and skills system in our city region and offer residents of all ages new routes into high skilled, high paid jobs.

“Collaboration is in our DNA as a university, so we have been pleased to be able to lead this bid on behalf of our city region and bring together partners of such quality and ambition. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of IoT students in September 2023.”

Anna Dawe, principal at Wigan and Leigh College, said: “This is excellent news and a huge boost to the promotion and delivery of higher level technical skills across Greater Manchester.

“For our borough it will deliver training and employment opportunities that are for the careers of the future as well as responding to current skills and workforce needs. We are very much looking forward to working with our partners and putting our plans into action.”

Coun Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) lead for education, skills, work, apprenticeships and digital, said: “It’s fantastic to hear the news that the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology will open to students in September 2023.

“Employers continue to highlight a lack of technical skills within Greater Manchester’s workforce required to build their businesses, the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology gives Greater Manchester residents access to new employment focused education and skills opportunities, it also plays an important role in addressing the skills shortage and building Greater Manchester’s economy.”

Ian Turner, talent director at TalkTalk, said: “As the fastest growing digital hub in Europe, the North West is a victim of its own success with unprecedented demand on the local technology talent pools. It’s vital we broaden our reach to find and train the best people in our region – the GMIoT will be key to this. We’re excited to be a partner.”

Justin Kelly, Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP) lead for skills, said: “It’s fantastic news that Greater Manchester’s Institute of Technology will welcome its first cohort of students in September. Since receiving initial Government approval just over a year ago, the Institute of Technology’s industrial and academic partners have worked extremely hard to get the initiative to this stage.

“The Institute of Technology will play an important role in helping people upskill and reskill in areas where employer demand is high, which in turn helps businesses grow and innovate. We know there is huge demand for technical skills in STEM sectors – offering learners relevant, accessible courses is the first step in addressing that skills gap.”