Government funding of £8.6m awarded for prestigious West London Institute of Technology

Funding of £8.6m has now been approved for the new West London Institute of Technology  – one of just 12 to be licenced nationally to create a better qualified workforce in industries built on higher technical skills. West London IoT will boost opportunities for students, trainees and Apprentices to achieve the higher technical qualifications in demand by employers – equivalent to undergraduate study, up to degree level, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, said: “It’s fantastic news that West London Institute of Technology has been awarded its licence to become one of the country’s very first Institutes of Technology. 

“Institutes of Technology will play a vital role in this government’s commitment to establishing our technical education system as one of the best in the world, and I look forward to seeing learners in the area make the most of all it has to offer them and gain the higher technical skills they need to succeed. Congratulations to all those involved.” 

Brunel University London, Fujitsu, Heathrow and West London Business and hundreds of other employers are working with HCUC, the merged college group for Harrow College and Uxbridge College, to develop a wide range of qualifications designed to meet the needs of local employers at Levels 4, 5 and 6. Employers will offer input into the content of the qualifications, provide placements and masterclasses, and give students the chance to work on real projects in their workplaces.

West London Institute of Technology is now accepting students on to courses in Digital Technology, Engineering and Building Services courses across Harrow College and Uxbridge College. These currently include HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) and Higher Apprenticeships –  equivalent to one or two years at university. The IoT is also working towards an expansion and upgrade of current specialist learning facilities to underpin its developing provision.

West London IoT was one of the first to sign its DfE licensing and funding contracts in August, following the Government announcement in the Spring that they had been successful in the 16 month IoT competition. 

Dr Darrell DeSouza, Principal and CEO of HCUC, said: “This is a unique opportunity for students across West London and beyond to benefit from this prestigious new Institute which HCUC is delighted to have been chosen for.   Government and industry have identified the need for higher technical skills as a national priority and are supporting this with funding to enable us to continue to develop and expand our STEM offer with our expert academic and industry partners. Qualifications offered by West London Institute of Technology offer excellent career advancement prospects or a pathway to university as well as great industry links.”

Professor Rebecca Lingwood, Provost at Brunel University London, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be part of west London’s new Institute of Technology and I am very much looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and engineers start to come through the IoT at HCUC, and for some to join us at Brunel.

“Working together to offer such a broad range of vocational and academic STEM subjects really enriches our local area and helps us stand out as a hub of true educational excellence.”

Ash Merchant,  Education Director for Fujitsu UK&I and Global Subject Matter Expert, said: Education Director for Fujitsu UK&I and Global Subject Matter Expert, said: “We are delighted that HCUC have been successful in their application for the proposed Institute of Technology (IoT). As an Anchor Employer Partner to HCUC we are committed to supporting the vision of creating a strong digital infrastructure, with outstanding curriculum that will support the digital economy for West London and beyond. We look forward to working with HCUC, making their vision come to reality and creating an IoT that will enable individuals to be fit for a digital economy.”

Bally S Grewal, Director of IT Programmes at Heathrow Airport said: “We are proud to be a partner of the West London Institute of Technology. There is a vital need to bridge the skills gap in the UK, achievable through the provision of top quality training and apprenticeships. This is the latest step we have taken which will ensure future generations are more skilled than ever and we look forward to working in this partnership,  increasing skills in west London and beyond and helping the next generation realise their potential.”

Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, said: “Sat at the heart of the UK’s global gateway the IoT is a local and national asset that will help ensure we have the talent pipeline to propel West London’s £73bn economy forward.  Partners will work together to fill some significant skills gaps.   We look forward to building the community of employers that will help shape the curriculum, values and culture of the institute to the benefit of both learners and businesses invested in West London.”