Justin Tomlinson MP Welcomes News Swindon Will Host New Institute Of Technology

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that the Government has chosen the town to host a new specialist Institute of Technology.

Institutes of Technology are a new kind of employer-led centre offer top-quality, higher level technical education. They will be formed from collaborations between universities, colleges and employers, and will draw on the expertise & experience of each. 

Their focus will be on much sought STEM skills in areas such as digital, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. With employers leading the way, IoTs will be tailored to meet the specific skills need of the town, so that they can help to further strengthen our local economy.

Just 12 applications nationally were successful, including the bid from Swindon, despite around 100 strong applications being made to Government. The successful applications will share around £170 million of Government funding.

Swindon's IoT is expected to offer high-level technical qualifications in advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences, digital sciences and creative media.

A lot of hard work went into delivering the project and Swindon College, local businesses, officers from Swindon Borough Council, Council leader David Renard and Coun Oliver Donachie championed Swindon; helping to create such a strong bid.

Justin also lobbied Ministers relentlessly to approve the bid and for Government to provide the funding, making the case that Swindon is an ideal destination, thanks to its heritage and excellence in advanced manufacturing & engineering.