{"id":10547,"date":"2025-12-08T14:47:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10547"},"modified":"2025-12-08T14:47:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:47:53","slug":"greater-manchester-institute-of-technology-marks-two-years-of-skills-investment-and-regional-industry-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=10547","title":{"rendered":"Greater Manchester Institute of Technology Marks Two Years of Skills Investment and Regional Industry Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) is celebrating two years of driving cutting-edge higher technical education and industry collaboration across the region \u2013 with growing student numbers, an expanded employer network, and new course developments aligned to local skills needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As one of 21 Institutes of Technology (IoT) across the UK, the GMIoT was established in 2023 to provide Level 4 and 5 higher technical education routes via education and employer partners that meet regional labour market needs.<\/p>\n\n\n

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GMIoT students from Tameside College using state-of-the-art robotic technology<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

GMIoT was founded as a collaborative partnership between the University of Salford, Wigan & Leigh College, Bury College, Tameside College, and Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its first two years, a total of 1,439 students started programmes ranging from a one year HNC in computing to a five-year degree apprenticeship in nuclear engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A further 802 students began courses in September 2025, bringing the total number to 2,241 since the GMIoT was established in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GMIoT students undertake industry-leading work placements, apprenticeships, and live project experience with major regional and national employers, including Laing O\u2019Rourke, Siemens and GCHQ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In October 2025, the BBC became the fourth employer partner of the GMIoT, to play a vital role in shaping the region\u2019s digital and technical talent pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridging the gap between industry and education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each GMIoT employer and education partner helps to co-design the student experience by informing curriculums, hosting events, and providing real-world insight through guest lectures, live briefs, and student projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GMIoT students have been invited to visit leading technical centres of innovation, such as the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) and Energy House at the University of Salford; Laing O’Rourke\u2019s Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC); Dock10 Studios in MediaCityUK; Amazon’s robotics enabled fulfillment centre in Bolton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wigan & Leigh College\u2019s significant expertise in the energy sector has provided apprenticeship training for key employers such as Sellafield and Electricity North West. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of GMIoT, the College, together with the University of Salford, adopted Siemens Connected Curriculum, which provides students and staff with access to industry standard software for advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GMIoT has also developed a sustainability programme that all students can participate in. It includes access to carbon literacy training, and was supported by a dedicated sustainability conference in December 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment in regional education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In September 2025, Trafford & Stockport College Group became the GMIoT\u2019s sixth education partner \u2013 expanding its geographical reach to create more opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the GMIoT was established, it has spearheaded investment in education partners\u2019 estates and facilities. Highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n