£170m techology institutes to fill skills gaps for Northern employers

Two new Institutes of Technology in the North of England will collaborate with regional employers to plug skills shortages.

12 new institutes will be launched across the country, with the North East’s New College Durham and York College in Yorkshire selected to become Institutes of Technology.

Backed by £170m of government investments, the institutes will work closely with firms such as Nissan, Siemens and Microsoft to deliver training in STEM subjects such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Ian Green, senior controller and section manager at Nissan said: “This is great news for the region.

“Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK is pleased to be a leading partner in an initiative which will not only help to provide higher level skills for manufacturing companies, but also to inspire people of all ages to invest in their own skills and knowledge.”

Northern Powerhouse minister, Jake Berry MP, added: “Ensuring people across the North can build the skills they need to secure high-value jobs and reach their full potential is at the heart of our vision for the Northern Powerhouse.

“The new Institutes of technology are an investment in the future of the Northern Powerhouse and further evidence of the North being at the heart of the UK’s thriving technology sector.”