STUDENTS in the North East will have a clear route to technical employment with the launch of the region’s new Institute of Technology.

Following a successful bid to the Government in 2019, the licence to operate as the North East Institute of Technology has now been awarded by the Department for Education.

New College Durham will lead a group of further education and private training providers that will support the Institute of Technology, working in partnership with car manufacturer Nissan, construction company Esh Group and Newcastle University.

Other collaborators are East Durham College, Middlesbrough College, Sunderland College, Tyne Coast College and NA College Trust in Washington.

The Institute is one of only 12 across the country created to plug regional and sector skills gaps.

It will deliver quality higher-level technical training in subjects such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Learning will take place across the partnership’s multiple campuses and will focus on the specific technical skills required to provide employers with the skilled workforce they need.

East Durham College will provide enhanced training in construction and advanced manufacturing alongside our programmes to develop the higher level technical skills employers need.

A spokesperson said it will provide industry-standard training facilities and expert training in electric and hybrid vehicles, mechatronics, pneumatics and robotics, as well as the digital skills required for precise food production within agriculture.

Suzanne Duncan, Principal and Chief Executive of East Durham College, said:

“With the launch of the North East Institute of Technology, our region is in a better position than ever before to offer high quality digital and technological training to the people of the North East.

"We are thrilled to be part of the project and we strongly believe that it will bring about exciting new opportunities for both younger and mature students in the area.”

John Widdowson, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham, added:

“Confirmation of Institute of Technology status is a great boost for New College Durham and the North East.

"We are delighted to be working in collaboration with our partners to design and deliver top quality courses and qualifications that meet the needs of industry in our region, both now and in the future.

"The Institute of Technology will give students the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new ones to progress their careers, enhancing employment opportunities.”

For more information about East Durham College go to edc.ac.uk or call 0191-5188222.

For more information about New College Durham go to newcollegedurham.ac.uk or call 0191-3754040.