College group is founding member of Institute of Technology

Nelson and Colne College will work alongside other colleges within the region, including Blackpool and Fylde College, with the hope to inspire the next generation of highly skilled technical workers by offering tailor-made higher-level technical courses with a focus on skilled-based education– providing students with industry-leading facilities, equipment and training.

The institute will be supported by a national government pot of £290 million, enabling the development of industry-standard facilities and equipment.

Thanks to the funding, the campuses of Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College will see developments including a Health Informatics Laboratory, Engineering Laboratory, Sustainable Technologies Laboratory; and a bespoke Digital Suite.

Nelson and Colne College Group’s Principal and CEO, Lisa O’Loughlin said: “We are delighted to be part of the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT. Here at NCCG we understand just how important high-quality technical education is, both to learners and employers across the region. 

“Today’s announcement of our place within this IoT goes to further support our focus on an education route that can provide a pathway into higher technical positions for more people, providing skills for the future and further boosting the economy of Lancashire and Cumbria.”

The Lancashire and Cumbria IoT scheme is now open for business, with an official launch planned for early Summer.

This initiative is part of a national programme designed to create world-class educational institutions that will drive economic growth whilst providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for high-quality, technical jobs.

IoTs were first launched in 2019 and there are a small number already in place in various regions across the country.

The resources will be used to deliver cutting-edge education and training, ensuring that students receive an outstanding educational experience.