Cheshire College, the largest provider of post-16 education in the region, have been named the lead organisation for the Cheshire and Warrington, as part of the £120m Institute of Technology (IoT) competition.  In collaboration with Warrington and Vale Royal College, Macclesfield College, Reaseheath College, University of Chester, Priestley College and employers, the region will benefit from over £13m investment.  

This partnership, involving a range of leading names from the world of business, such as Encirc, Warrington and Halton NHS Trust, Alderly Park Ltd and Case IH, will offer world-class training and education and provide the skills that employers need to keep the region at the forefront of industry developments and addressing local skills gaps.  

Dr Kieran Mullan, Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “The is great news not just for young people in our area, but anyone who wants to get new skills, create new opportunities for themselves and get on in life.  

“We know we have vacancies and skills shortages and that means opportunities for people and this investment will mean our local residents are well placed to take advantage of them. This will build on the already excellent work the college is doing to support T Levels and the Lifetime Skills Guarantee which all together are pushing forward further education as a key way to level up our country.” 

Institutes of Technology are unique collaborations between employers, colleges and universities that specialise in offering high-quality Higher Technical Education and training in subjects such as advanced manufacturing, digital and cyber security, aerospace and healthcare, which will support businesses in gaining skilled workforces. 

Across the region all industries have existing employees that will require ongoing re-skilling and up-skilling because of the rising impact of automation and digitisation. The Institute will deliver world-class higher technical skills in:  Computing, Engineering, Health and Life Sciences, Agri-Tech, Construction and The Built Environment, Science and Maths.  

Those studying at the Institute will benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, providing them an ideal environment for their learning.  

Dhesi, Principal and CEO at Cheshire College commented: “We are incredibly excited to be the lead College for this project.  We aim to provide learners with the skills, experience and qualifications needed to succeed, and we are committed to working with businesses and our local communities to help ensure we are supporting our learners to take up the high-quality, high-skilled jobs needed today and in the future. 

“This is just one initiative that will enable the local economy to recover from the impact of the pandemic and get back on track to achieve ambitious development within the Cheshire and Warrington region.  I am delighted that Cheshire College is able to play a vital role in creating vibrant opportunities for the community.” 

“The IoT has been secured following a comprehensive and competitive process.  This announcement means investment in prestigious new facilities and resources across all the colleges across Cheshire and Warrington, including almost £6m for Cheshire College’s Crewe Campus.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the MPs across the region for their support and in particular Kieran Mullen MP, who has been a strong advocate for the IoT from the very beginning.” 

The Institute in Cheshire and Warrington, was one of nine Institutes of Technology announced by the Department for Education this month (December 2021), bringing the total to 21 across the country and delivering on the Government’s manifesto commitment.  

Clare Hayward MBE, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP said: “I am absolutely delighted that this investment has been announced. This investment enables us to support our colleges to provide skills for the future in an inspiring environment.   

“This is a fabulous opportunity to develop and inspire young people across the region and respond to the skills gaps. I know many businesses here will also be very pleased to hear this news as our plans are as a direct result of what they have been telling us.  

“This investment enables us to support businesses across our region to build their future workforce and access the people and the skills they need to grow. This also demonstrates confidence in our region, enables us to deliver the vision and provides opportunities across the region.  We are thrilled we have been selected and this is evidence of the excellent collaboration between the colleges, businesses and the LEP.    

“This is a great endorsement for Cheshire and Warrington and something that we can really build on.” 

If you would like to know more about studying at Cheshire College – South & West visit ccsw.ac.uk – Your Career Starts Here.