Staffordshire MP visits Institute of Technology to chart construction progress

Sir Gavin Williamson MP visited the construction site of the Institute of Technology (IoT) in Stafford to witness first-hand the progress being made on the £22.5 million development.

Lr- Gavin Williamson MP, Craig Hodgson - principal and chief executive at NSCG, and Nick Reay, senior project manager at Speller Metcalfe, inside Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology

The IoT, located off Castle Street, forms part of the Stafford Station Gateway Project and is set to be completed at the end of May, ready to welcome its first learners in September.

Once open, the new institution will deliver high-quality technical skills training in priority sectors with particularly pressing skills needs, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, modern methods of construction, digital technologies and health sciences.

Led by the Ofsted Outstanding Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), the IoT is focused on strong collaborative working between education providers from the Staffordshire region and anchor employer partners including Dell, Indurent, MOOG, Siemens and Hitachi.

Aerial view of the construction progress for the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire IoT

The three-story IoT hub will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including conference rooms, a bistro, a lecture theatre, and immersive teaching spaces equipped with a range of industry-standard equipment.

The cutting edge facilities have benefited from more than £500,000 in investment from anchor partners and local employers.

Key contributions include two large demonstration robots from KUKA, two collaborative robots from Siemens, and a transformer donated by Hitachi Energy.

Nationally renowned industrial and logistics specialist Indurent is also developing digital tools that will bring real-life projects into the classroom to enrich the learning experience.

Artist impression of the completed Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire IoT

Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, said: “It’s great to witness the impressive progress being made on the new IoT project.

“This outstanding development will provide cutting-edge technical education resources for both young people and adult learners in our region, serving as a prime example of the positive outcomes that come from collaboration between employers and academia.

“I’m excited to see the lasting impact it will have in bridging the technical skills gap, not just in Staffordshire, but beyond.”

L-r - IoT vice principal Georgina Barnard, Leigh Ingham MP, Craig Hodgson - principal and chief executive at NSCG, Carl Riding - vice principal at NSCG

Georgina Barnard, vice principal - IoT, added: “It was a pleasure to share the progress being made on the IoT. I’m looking forward to welcoming many more visitors over the coming months. We have several forthcoming events which will be of interest to potential students, local residents and local businesses.”

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire IoT is poised to become a vital hub for technical education in Staffordshire, offering short courses to higher apprenticeships and degree-level programmes.

Craig Hodgson, principal and chief executive of NSCG, said: “With industry-driven training designed by employers and clear progression pathways, the Institute will prepare both young people and adults for skilled technical roles, while helping local businesses access a highly skilled workforce.”