South Yorkshire wins £12million bid to establish an Institute of Technology

A collaboration of educators and employers from South Yorkshire, including Barnsley College, have successfully secured over £12million to establish a new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). 

The Department for Education (@educationgovuk) made the announcement today as part of the second wave of IoT bids to have funding confirmed by the government. New employer-led IoTs offer higher level technical education to help close skills gaps in key STEM areas. They are part of the government’s plans to reform technical training to help employers get the skilled workforce they need and offer local people rewarding jobs.

The South Yorkshire IoT joins Further Education institutions, Higher Education institutions and local employers together to provide pathways from STEM based T-Levels to Higher Technical Qualifications, apprenticeships, and degrees. The IoT will also offer flexible courses for adults looking to reskill or upskill. 

The collaboration includes DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, and the University of SheffieldAMRC Training Centre as core education partners. RNN Group, the Sheffield College and the National Centre for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure (NCATI) are also associate partners.

In addition, the core employer partners include AESSEAL PLC, Engie UK, HLM Architects and WANdisco. They will have a place on the Board of the IoT. The South Yorkshire IoT will work closely with employers to provide specialist provision for over 1,500 learners, aiming to meet the demand for construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, and healthcare science higher level technical skills within the region. The IoT will target key sectors and occupations, making a substantial contribution to increasing the region’s productivity and ability to attract and retain employers with higher-level technical skilled roles. 

Yiannis Koursis, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Barnsley College, said:

“This is a big moment for our institutions and our wider region. We know that if the skills gaps aren’t met then our economy and communities will suffer and be left behind. Securing the IoT funding and backing gives our region and our students a boost in technical skills, and will ensure that we can expand our already impressive work with businesses across the area to ensure the skills-need of the future is being met.”  

The funding will enable the College to reconfigure and refurbish the existing Church Street building to create a dedicated IoT hub in the centre of Barnsley.

Provision will be designed to be accessible to people across the region and target underrepresented groups.

The South Yorkshire IoT is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, all regional local authorities and local Chambers of Commerce. 

If you’re looking for a rewarding career at one of the UK’s top colleges, why not join us? Check out our vacancies page for our current opportunities: www.barnsley.ac.uk/vacancies or email us at to find out how you can become part of the Barnsley College family.

Alternatively, if you want to learn something new, advance your career, secure a new job, or you just want to explore a different hobby, the College offers a variety of part-time courses that can help you get where you want to be.

Come along to our dedicated adult Open Day at our Old Mill Lane campus, Church Street, on Saturday 8 January, 10.00am to 1.00pm, to find out more.