Graham Stuart MP congratulates local colleges on their winning bid to become Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology

Last week, the winners of the Government’s Institute of Technology (IoT) competition were announced.

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, commented: “Congratulations are in order! After a rigorous two-stage competition, we’ve received the excellent news that Bishop Burton College and East Riding College, as part of the Yorkshire and Humber IoT, will be one of twelve IoTs established across the UK.” 

The Government launched the IoT initiative as part of its ambitious reforms to build one of the world’s best technical education systems. Each IoT is comprised of a regional network of universities, colleges and employers, and through greater collaboration, these institutions will provide high-quality technical education, particularly in STEM skills, aimed at meeting the demands of local economies.

Graham added: “I am a strong supporter of the Government’s IoT initiative. On the one hand, the direct involvement of employers in technical education will drive regional growth by responding to future skills needs. On the other, students will be provided with a clear route into skilled employment, resulting in life-changing opportunities for local children.

“I have been a strong advocate for the collaborative bids of Bishop Burton and East Riding College. As I set out in my letters of support, both colleges have already proven that they are effective in providing high-quality skills programmes, and I have no doubt that the leadership of these colleges will set an example of the merits of the IoT concept.

“The Yorkshire and Humber IoT will be established with £9 million of Government funding. The programmes developed will focus on the agri-tech, engineering and digital sectors, and the capital funding will enable investment in industry-standard facilities and equipment.

 “I have no doubt that the Yorkshire and Humber IoT will have a profoundly positive effect on the local community and economy. I look forward to supporting the efforts of Bishop Burton College and East Riding College as they implement their vision.” 

Bill Meredith, Principal at Bishop Burton College, commented: “I would like to thank Graham for his support during the arduous two-year submission process to the Department for Education. The coming months will see Bishop Burton transform into a centre of excellence for higher-level skills training in agri-technologies, and I’m delighted that Graham will continue to support us as we turn our ambitious proposal into a reality.”