One of the country's first Institute of Technology (IoT) centres will be established in Uxbridge, led by HCUC, the merged college group for Harrow College and Uxbridge College – and with Brunel University London as the higher education provider in the partnership.
Working with Brunel and other anchor partners Fujitsu, Heathrow and West London Business, HCUC is among 12 education and training providers nationally to be selected by the Department for Education in a competitive bidding process. Each successful bid, announced today, moves forward to the pre-award stage.
HCUC will get a share in a £170m capital fund earmarked by government to establish the specialist technical education provision, promoting and delivering education and training predominantly at Level 4 and above through a unique alliance between further education, higher education and employers.
Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University London, said: "I am delighted that Brunel is part of HCUC’s successful bid, and that we will be working together with our partners to establish an Institute of Technology for people in West London and surrounding areas.
"Increasing the opportunities for young people and those already in employment to build essential engineering and technology skills – part of the STEM subjects, which have significant skills shortages – will help our local and national economies thrive."
Laraine Smith OBE, Principal and CEO of HCUC, said “It is fantastic news that HCUC and its partners have been successful in this highly competitive process to be among those leading the way in launching the Institute of Technology centres programme.
"HCUC is delighted to be at the forefront of developing the provision of these essential high level skills, which form part of the broad range of vocational and employment-related education and training supporting the UK to build the skills it needs going forward.
"We will be working closely with our partners to build relationships with a broad range of employers, to ensure the success of the West London IoT. I’d like to congratulate and thank everyone involved in leading our application through to its successful conclusion.”
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk