The gathering brought together employers, civic leaders, education partners and stakeholders from across the East Midlands to demonstrate the EMIoT’s powerful role in developing the workforce of tomorrow.
Attendees were able to explore cutting-edge facilities and hear how the EMIoT is already strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
DCG is a founding partner in the EMIoT, working alongside the University of Derby, Loughborough College and Loughborough University; supported by major employers including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom, Fujitsu, Bloc Digital, NESO and Uniper.
The EMIoT delivers a broad range of quality technical skills, education and opportunities, including:
- T Levels
- Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
- Foundation and Honours Degrees
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
- Adult retraining and reskilling programmes
Guests explored the EMIoT building, including two of its key facilities:
- BLISS Immersive Learning Suite; a 360-degree virtual environment for construction and real-world scenario planning.
- The X2O Hybrid Teaching Suite, which enables seamless live collaboration between students, lecturers, and industry experts across the UK and beyond.
These learning spaces reflect the EMIoT partnership’s commitment to delivering flexible, technology-driven education which aligns with employer needs.
315 Trailblazing learners already enrolled
The East Midlands IoT is already showing strong outcomes, with 315 students currently enrolled across higher technical programmes, gaining valuable skills that bridge theory with real-world industry practice.
Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at DCG, said: “We are incredibly proud of the momentum behind the East Midlands Institute of Technology, with 315 students now enrolled; the growth speaks for itself.
“This marks a real step-change not just for technical education, but for how we build lasting bridges between education and employers.
“The IoT will continue to strengthen partnerships for DCG and help us expand on all the fantastic work already underway.
“The East Midlands is developing the talent pipeline our industries need, and this is only the beginning.”
Rachel Quinn, Executive Director of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, added: “The East Midlands Institute of Technology is more than a building; it is a platform for innovation and a symbol of regional ambition.
“We are building a skills ecosystem which connects educators, employers and learners to drive real-world impact.
“The enthusiasm shown by those at this event proves the East Midlands is ready to lead in digital transformation, sustainable engineering and advanced manufacturing.
By investing in people and partnerships, we are investing in the future, and the benefits will be felt across communities and industries for many years to come.”
Leadership and Vision for the Region
The event opened with a welcome from Andrew Cochrane, Chair of Governors at Derby College Group, who shared his pride in seeing the new facilities officially launched and already benefitting learners.
Andrew Cochrane said: “It is a pleasure to welcome everyone to see these impressive facilities in action. Today marks a significant milestone for DCG and for the region.
“The EMIoT is already bringing its vision to life, and we are proud to see it officially open and actively supporting our students and employers.”
The high level of engagement and enthusiasm at the event reflected the strong appetite from employers, educators and stakeholders to collaborate further and ensure that the East Midlands remains at the forefront of technical innovation and skills development.
One of 21 Institutes of Technology across England, The East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) is an innovative partnership between Loughborough College, Derby College Group, Loughborough University and the University of Derby, that will focus on skills for a green economy, future energy and leadership in those fields.
From September 2024, it began delivering the very best in technical education for its students – from T Levels through to postgraduate education – with high-quality training and qualifications in engineering, digital and professional construction.
The East Midlands Institute of Technology has been established by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver world-class higher technical education.
Whether you’re a learner looking to succeed in a high-demand, rewarding career or an employer looking for a flexible way to upskill your workforce, the East Midlands Institute of Technology is the place to start.
Courses are designed and delivered with local and national employers, giving students – of all ages and backgrounds – the real-world experience they need to stand out in the job market and provides employers with the reassurance that the training their staff receives can be applied to their business immediately.
