Backed by more than £21 million in funding from the Department for Education, the establishment of SYIoT in South Yorkshire marks a significant milestone for the region, kite marking the high-quality, higher-level technical education and training provision in the region.
One of only 21 IoTs nationally, the launch marks a major investment and recognition of the region’s higher education providers.
The education partners are Sheffield Hallam University, DN Colleges Group, Barnsley College, The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, The Sheffield College and RNN Group.
With the pace of change and emerging technologies, the investment in South Yorkshire will ensure that education providers have access to facilities and equipment that can support them to prepare and develop individuals with skills that meet employers’ needs.
IoTs are partnerships of employers and education providers. SYIoT is supported by core employers of HLM Architects, AESSEAL Plc and Pendo.
SYIoT already works with over 5000 employers in the region but a key focus will be extending the reach, particularly to small and medium sized businesses.
The sector focus for SYIoT are the technical sectors of engineering and manufacturing, digital, construction and the built environment, health, science and media and communications.
Professor Chris Wigginton, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Academic Partnerships) at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Collaboration and connectivity are crucial to developing a world-class skills system in our region. Launching the SYIoT alongside so many esteemed partners – both employers and educators – will mean opportunities for more people in more of our communities. Skills are the key to growing our economy, and launching the SYIoT is a huge step towards a prosperous future for South Yorkshire.
Karen Mosley, Managing Director, HLM Architects and Chair of South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, said: “We are delighted to be launching the SYIoT. This partnership between employers and education and training providers focuses on our key sectors and occupations and developing the skills required for higher technical roles across our region. As an employer, it is exciting to be partnered with education providers and to be able to help shape provision and delivery in this way.”
Specialising in Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), professional training and higher apprenticeships, the investment in facilities and cutting-edge equipment is focused on widening opportunities in higher education.
The courses and qualifications on offer, including bite-size programmes, enable individuals to access higher education to enable them to enter or re-enter employment, or upskill to support their progression within employment.
The SYIoT launch capped a successful month for the University in building and bolstering regional skills and opportunities.
Last week it was announced that Sheffield Hallam has been awarded £770,000 by Office for Students to fund recruitment of more degree apprentices.
The funded project will support existing degree apprenticeships, as well as delivering new standards in key industries including Registered Nursing. Work will focus on regional partnerships, with an emphasis on widening participation and community outreach, and will leverage existing employer relationships, engage new organisations, and benefit employers in the region.
