The North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) has significantly strengthened its technical skills delivery network with the strategic addition of three prominent regional colleges.
Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College and Hartlepool College of Further Education have joined to reinforce NEIoT’s commitment to accelerating higher technical skills development across the region.
This ensures local employers have the pipeline of talent necessary for future growth in key sectors. The latest three colleges join existing partners New College Durham, East Durham College, Middlesbrough College and Tyne Coast College, alongside Higher Education partner Newcastle University and lead employer partners Esh Group and Nissan.
Dr. Sharon Grant, Director of NEIoT, welcomed the new partners, she said: "The renewal of our licence for another three years by the Department for Education, and the expansion of the collaboration, is a testament to the value and progress we've achieved over the last five years.
“We are thrilled to welcome three additional educational partners to the NEIoT collaboration, their involvement significantly enhances our regional capability and extends our reach, enabling us to better serve the growing demand for skilled technical talent.
“The NEIoT continues to play a central role in delivering high-quality technical education that is closely aligned with employer needs. As the North East undergoes a major economic transformation, driven by sectors like advanced manufacturing, electrification, digital technology and green energy, the IoT model remains a key driver of innovation.
“By bringing together universities, colleges, independent training providers and industry partners, we are co-designing training solutions that ensure a steady pipeline of work-ready talent to support regional growth.
“With our strengthened partnership network, robust employer engagement and cutting-edge facilities, we are well-positioned to provide learners with the technical competencies and career progression opportunities they need, while offering employers enhanced access to skilled staff and innovation support.”
The NEIoT is a powerful partnership of further education colleges, universities and businesses, committed to supporting higher technical skills development across the region.
As one of 20 Institutes of Technology (IoT) in the UK, NEIoT focuses intently on the particular skills needed in the region, specifically in advanced manufacturing and engineering, construction and digital.
NEIoT is making significant investments across its campuses, creating purpose-built centres and learning environments equipped with the latest technologies in the engineering, built environment, advanced manufacturing, motor vehicle and digital sectors.
Alison Maynard, Strategic Lead for NEIoT and Deputy Principal at New College Durham, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the NEIoT collaboration as we welcome three outstanding new partners - Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College and Hartlepool College of Further Education.
“Their expertise and innovation will help drive the next phase of our mission. With their support, we're excited to further strengthen our regional impact and advance the future of higher level technical education. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future for the North East.”
Leaders from the three new partner colleges are looking forward to working collaboratively.
Shaun Hope, Principal of Bishop Auckland College, said: “Joining the North East Institute of Technology is a fantastic step for Bishop Auckland College and for County Durham.
“This partnership will give our students direct access to specialist resources and curriculum developed hand-in-hand with major regional employers.
“We are proud to contribute our expertise and capacity, alongside our specialist advanced manufacturing and engineering centre, South West Durham Training, to such a vital regional initiative focused on higher technical skills.”
Chris Todd, Principal of Derwentside College, said: “Derwentside College is delighted to join the North East Institute of Technology. Together we share a commitment to excellence, opportunity and community impact.
“By collaborating across institutions, employers and regional systems we will lead joined-up thinking, deliver high-quality technical education and unlock talent across the region.
“We believe in systems leadership, working beyond individual organisations to drive transformational change for learners, employers and local communities alike, and this is what the IoT represents.”
Gary Riches, Vice Principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “Hartlepool College is thrilled with this educational collaboration to officially join the NEIoT partnership. We are passionate about creating a shared understanding of, and passion for, the current and evolving higher-level technical skills across the region's key sectors.
“Working with industry giants like Nissan and Esh Group through the IoT network will provide our students with unparalleled pathways into high-value careers and ensure we continue to deliver technical training that reflects employer needs.”