The East Midlands IoT is an innovative partnership between Derby College Group, Loughborough College, Loughborough University and the University of Derby; specialising in technical courses in engineering, digital, professional construction and leadership skills.
Its first students began their studies at Derby College this week; with further ones due to take up their East Midlands IoT courses at Loughborough College, Loughborough University and the University of Derby later in September.
A total of 578 students are expected for East Midlands IoT’s first ever year.
Students will receive the very best in technical education at the four partner institutions – from T-Level and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), through to degree and postgraduate education – with the aim of providing the region with the latest skills businesses need to grow the economy.
Martin Rigley, Chair of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, said: “After all the East Midlands IoT’s preparations it’s tremendous to see students beginning to arrive, taking their first steps into what we trust will be long and rewarding careers.
“I wish them all the very best in their studies.”
Rachel Quinn, Executive Director of the East Midlands IoT, added: “We’ve worked closely with our academic and business partners to develop a programme of quality technical courses, providing those future skills needed to boost our region’s economic growth.
“Our students will have access to the latest digital, engineering, construction and leadership skills training and equipment; of benefit to their careers for years to come.
“We look forward to seeing the amazing things they will no doubt accomplish.”
The East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) is one of 21 Institutes of Technology across England, established by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver world-class higher technical education.
The first cohort of students using the facilities at the East Midlands Institute of Technology
Adetoun Aderonmu, 18, is a degree apprentice at Atkins Réalis, an international engineering services company with a Derby base, and is on the Foundation Degree in Integrated Engineering course at Derby College.
She said: “Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship I’d like to continue with Atkins Réalis as an Electrical Engineer.
“I predominantly want to stay in railway engineering, I want to stay in the industry.”
“I’ve always been interested in mechanical engineering, doing things like engineering clubs at school.”
On the same course, Daniel Skates, 42, is a former RAF technician now working as an ERTMS (European Railway Traffic Management System) Project Engineer with DB Cargo UK rail freight, based at Toton rail depot.
His work is around assessing what impacts the UK introduction of ERTMS rail signalling might have on the use of older model rail locomotives.
Daniel said: “I started doing an engineering qualification in the RAF, linked to aircraft and bomb disposal. I left the RAF in 2008.”
He added: “I’m doing this course because I have aspirations to be a Head of Engineering, or in a senior role such as Head of Assets or a Chief Operating Officer.
“I have more than ten years’ management experience but to get to that higher level I need a degree.”
New facilities for East Midlands IoT students will open later this academic year.
A three-storey, 1,100 square metre building at Derby College’s main Roundhouse campus will officially open this autumn (2024).
Brian Malyan, Assistant Principal (Technology) at Derby College Group, added: “This will be a great facility for higher education students, concentrating mainly on Level 4 qualifications.
“We’re developing new HTQ (Higher Technical Qualification) courses such as Architectural Technician, Quantity Surveying and Modern Methods of Construction; and next year we’ll be launching our Building Services and Engineering HTQ.”
At Loughborough College’s main site, contractor The Lindum Group is currently building a £6.5million, three-storey facility for use by East Midlands Institute of Technology students.
It will include nine classrooms, four science labs, two open plan working spaces and three offices. This is due to open in spring 2025.
