Employers Experience the Institute of Technology at York College
At an employers’ event, launching the Institute of Technology at York College, representatives from local businesses were shown how they will benefit from an increase in higher level technical training in the future. York College has received £1.6m investment which has enabled the upgrading of facilities and equipment in Advanced Engineering, Digital Technologies and a new University Centre, giving students the chance to learn higher level technical and vocational skills.
York College is leading a consortium of colleges, universities, and employers from the Digital, Engineering and Agri-Tech sectors in the region, in the development of the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology.
Following the official opening by Julian Sturdy MP, employers were given the opportunity to see the very latest engineering and digital technology equipment housed within the new modern facilities. Lee Probert, Chief Executive and Principal of York College, was delighted to see employers using the high-tech equipment. He said: “Working closely with employers we want to make sure our students are learning the higher level technical skills they need for future employment. Being part of the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology has enabled the College to invest in advanced engineering and digital technologies to support the delivery of those skills. The event was a great opportunity for employers in the region to see how they can benefit from the higher level digital and engineering technical skills being delivered by the Institute of Technology at York College.
Peter Dunn, Training Manager from Taylors of Harrogate said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with York College to support the curriculum development of the Institute of Technology. This is a fantastic initiative that will help employers to work in collaboration with York College to identify and address the skills-shortage and find better ways of increasing productivity both now and in the future.”
Julian Sturdy, Member of Parliament for York Outer, says the Institute of Technology will enhance employment opportunities and provide highly qualified employees for the regional economy: “It is a great honour to have been asked to open York College’s Institute of Technology facilities. IoT’s will be instrumental in providing the high-quality technical education and skills that local businesses are telling us they need to improve productivity. I wish York College and its local partners every success in developing this exciting new model.”
