South Yorkshire Institute of Technology launches at skills expo
The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology was officially launched at South Yorkshire Skills Expo in Rotherham, which brought together local skills providers, Chambers of Commerce and policy makers to support businesses with digital and green skills.
The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre is proud to be part of the new Institute of Technology (IoT), which is a powerful collaboration of educators and employers from across the region committed to delivering higher-level technical education to invest in people and help close skills gaps in key areas.
Backed by more than £12 million in funding from the Department for Education (DfE), the launch of the IoT in South Yorkshire - one of only 21 nationally - marks a significant milestone for the region, and is recognition of the investment being made by education providers from across South Yorkshire in high-quality, higher-level technical education and training.
Karen Mosley, chair of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, and managing director at HLM Architects, said: “We are delighted to be launching the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.
“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.”
The South Yorkshire IoT is made up of DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, the Sheffield College and RNN Group. Supported by core employers that include HLM Architects, AESSEAL and Pendo, it provides high-quality training and qualifications in engineering and manufacturing, construction, digital, health, science, media and communications.
Nikki Jones is director of the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, which is running levels four, five and six engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships as part of the South Yorkshire IoT.
She said: “This launch is a landmark day for South Yorkshire. We are at the forefront of a technological revolution, and with the launch of the DfE-backed Institute of Technology (IoT), we are unlocking a future brimming with potential.
“These institutions are not mere places of learning; they are engines of progress. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
“The South Yorkshire IoT is a springboard for innovation. It is a platform for creativity, for collaboration, and for shaping a future that is not only prosperous, but also sustainable and equitable.
“For industry leaders, the South Yorkshire IoT is a bridge to the future workforce. By investing in these students, you're investing in the future of your businesses and the entire region.”
The education partners already work with more than 5,000 employers in the region but a key focus will be extending that reach, particularly to small and medium-sized businesses. And with the pace of change and emerging and changing technologies, the IoT investment in South Yorkshire ensures that education providers have access to facilities and equipment that can support them to prepare and develop individuals with the skills that meet employers’ needs.
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, ensure that individuals should be able to access higher education to enable them to enter or re-enter employment, or upskill to support their progression within employment.
The South Yorkshire IoT offers flexible and affordable qualifications to adults of all ages and in 2025 the costs of programmes may be supported by the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement as well as current funding streams. For employers, alongside funding support for apprenticeships, education partners can advise on any other funding available, including the Skills Bank.
“The first learners started on SYIoT programmes this academic year and it will be exciting to see the developments over the next few years,” said Karen.
“Education and employer partnerships are central to ensuring that South Yorkshire develops the skills base required to meet the challenges of the region by upskilling our people and encouraging investment in higher technical job opportunities.”
Nikki added: “Together, within the collaboration of this IoT, we can weave a new narrative for South Yorkshire. We can transform it into a hub of innovation, a magnet for cutting-edge companies, and a place where skilled workers and groundbreaking ideas converge.”
The South Yorkshire IoT website will go live in April, serving as an easy access point to signpost provision and education partners. Visit at www.syiot.ac.uk