£25 Million Institute of Technology Launches in Staffordshire, How It Will Create Skills and Jobs

The official launch of the £25 million Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology took place today, and it marks a real turning point for skills, opportunity and ambition in our county. Representing The Staffordshire Signal, I joined national and regional leaders on campus to see first-hand how the new Institute aims to create real change for local people.

Led by the Ofsted Outstanding Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, the Institute has already welcomed its first cohort since September. Its purpose is simple but powerful, to deliver higher-level technical skills in the sectors the region needs most, from advanced engineering and manufacturing to digital technologies, modern construction methods and health sciences.

The Institute is built on partnership. NSCG, Keele University, Axia Solutions, Burton and South Derbyshire College, South Staffordshire College and Stoke on Trent College are all working together, supported by anchor industry partners such as Dell, Hitachi Energy, Indurent, Moog and Siemens.

National support for Staffordshire’s skill development

The launch opened with a speech from Minister of State for Skills, Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, who spoke about how Institutes of Technology are central to tackling national skills shortages and opening new routes into higher-level learning.

Leigh Ingham MP and Brian Holliday of Siemens Digital Industries also addressed attendees, both highlighting the importance of connecting employers with education so that training genuinely reflects what industries need.

A guided tour followed, showing facilities designed for practical learning. These included robotics and automation spaces, a mock hospital ward, testing laboratories, VR and AR learning rooms, advanced manufacturing equipment, interactive classrooms, a lecture theatre, conference areas and a welcoming bistro for students.

Later in the day, a panel discussion led by Vice Principal Georgina Barnard brought together representatives from Siemens, Drayton Beaumont Services, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and current learners at the Institute. The conversation focused on collaboration and how meeting skills needs will support business growth across the region.

Minister of State for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith

Exclusive interview: What will this mean for Staffordshire residents

During the event, I spoke with Baroness Jacqui Smith to understand what this development will mean for people living and working here in Staffordshire.

My first question centred on keeping talent in the county.

“How is this new institute going to encourage young people to want to stay in Staffordshire to train and work here, instead of going to places like London, Birmingham or Manchester?”

The Minister told me:

“One of the really important things about the partnership behind the institute is that it brings local employers into partnership with the college. The college can do apprenticeships where people are actually working with local employers, but getting the skills element in the college. It also provides equipment that young people can learn on, so that when they go into work, they will have had the opportunity to work on that.”

She added:

“Young people will think to themselves, ‘Well, I know there are opportunities locally and I know I can continue to develop.’ One of the things that prevents the sort of growth we need to see is a shortage of skills. A quarter of jobs cannot be filled because the skills are not there. If you are able to get digital and advanced manufacturing skills here, employers can grow and employ local people.”

What about adults already in work

I followed up with a second question.

“What difference will this make for people of all ages? How is this going to help people find better jobs, higher-paid jobs and better skills in Staffordshire?”

Baroness Smith explained:

“None of us are going to go through our working lives without needing to upskill. Employers know AI is coming down the track and that they need to be more in the digital world. They want to keep employees, but they need them to upskill.”

She also confirmed an important change coming in April:

“Previously, employers could only spend their apprenticeship levy on a full apprenticeship, but that was not always what they needed. From April, we will be offering shorter courses in things like digital elements of engineering. That is exactly the kind of thing they will now be able to offer to adults.”

She also highlighted a clear need within the local workforce.

“There will definitely be a demand locally for health and care workers, and it is an enormous benefit for local people if those vacancies can be filled.”

A milestone moment for Staffordshire

Georgina Barnard, Vice Principal of the Institute, reflected on the significance of the launch.

“The launch of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology marks a defining moment for our region. By bringing together fantastic facilities, employers and leading educational providers, we are creating a powerhouse for technical skills that will drive innovation, productivity and opportunity across Staffordshire and beyond.”

Baroness Smith shared a similar vision when speaking to attendees.

“This is not just a building, it is a gateway to future careers, a catalyst for regional growth, and a symbol of what can be achieved when education and industry work hand in hand.”

The Institute is still in its early stages, but its ambition is clear. As programmes grow, The Staffordshire Signal will continue to follow the story, especially how this investment in skills shapes opportunities for young people, adults and businesses across the county.

For more information about the Institute and its higher-level courses, visit sotsiot.ac.uk.