First East Midlands Institute of Technology site opens in Derby

A new state-of-the-art facility for computing students has opened at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre. The facility, which is the first site of the new East Midlands Institute of Technology (EM IoT), will support teaching in a range of digital and engineering subjects, such as computer games animation, design engineering and mechatronics.

Being a result of regional collaboration, the project will support the creation of a future-fit workforce for digital and low-carbon economies across the East Midlands. To ensure the project’s delivery, the University of Derby is currently working with a host of partners, who are providing industry insight to help shape the curriculum and opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through placements and visits. These partners include the Derby College Group, the University of Loughborough, Loughborough College, Bloc Digital, Fujitsu, Alstom, National Grid/ESO, Uniper, Toyota and Rolls-Royce.

The development of the EM IoT is supported by the Department for Education, who have provided the capital funding and the strategic initiative of IoTs, and the Gatsby Foundation, who are supporting the delivery of IoTs. The University of Derby Hub is the first of three hub sites, with others in development at Derby College Group and Loughborough College.

Attending the event were Pauline Latham, MP for Mid-Derbyshire; Rachel Quinn, Executive Director of the East Midlands Institute of Technology; representatives of the education and industry partners; and guests from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Derby City Council, the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Chamber.

Rachel Quinn said: “The EM IoT provides a huge opportunity to connect people across the region directly into the multiple and varied technical careers that are emerging as a result of the rapid and high-quality growth that is taking place here. Our partner employers are working closely with us to ensure education aligns with that growth and supplies the workforce they need for the future. Today is a very exciting day, marking the launch of the first of three cutting-edge facilities that will deliver that vision and make it accessible to all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “It’s fabulous that we have opened the University of Derby’s Institute of Technology hub and will be welcoming the first students over the next few weeks. Working with our partner employers, the EM IoT aims to produce graduates who are able to advance the region’s economy across the low carbon and digital sectors.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to reach this significant milestone in establishing the East Midlands Institute of Technology with the opening of this state-of-the-art hub. The EM IoT will address the regional skills gap by producing a pipeline of outstanding graduates supporting businesses to upskill their existing workforce. It reflects the ambition we have for our region and the benefits that collaborative working can deliver for all involved.”