In early June, following a great deal of hard work from local colleges and support in Westminster from Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, it was announced that a regional network of educational institutions had been successful in their bid to become a Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology (IoT).
The Yorkshire and Humber IoT will be established with £9 million of Government funding which will be used to upgrade facilities and develop innovative curriculums in high-quality technical education, particularly in STEM skills. Graham has been a strong advocate for the regional IoT, and he welcomed the opportunity to visit East Riding College to go over the plans with Principal Mike Welsh.
Graham commented: “It was great to meet Mike at East Riding College to discuss proposals for the IoT. The college is collaborating with regional employers, and it has major plans for curriculum development in construction and engineering. It was also exciting to view the design for the new IoT facility.
“The IoT initiative is a part of the Government’s ambitious reforms to build one of the world’s best technical education systems. When complete, the Yorkshire and Humber IoT will drive regional growth by responding to future skills needs. It will also provide students with a clear route into skilled employment, resulting in life-changing opportunities for local children. I’m impressed by the vision of Mike Welsh and his team, and I have no doubt they will set an example of the merits of the IoT concept.”
Mike Welsh, Principal at East Riding College, added: “I was delighted to welcome Graham to East Riding College to go over our IoT plans. Graham has long been a champion of technical education, including throughout his Chairmanship of the Education Select Committee, and it shows. He’s extremely enthusiastic about our IoT plans, and it’s great to have his continued support.”
