On 3 July 2025, representatives from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) joined fellow Institutes of Technology, employers, education leaders and policymakers at the National IoT Conference at Central Hall Westminster, London.
With a proud history of welcoming distinguished figures such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and the Prince of Wales, the hall provided a fitting backdrop for an event focused on progress and collaboration.
Titled “Boosting Opportunity, Skills & Growth”, the flagship event event brought together senior leaders from industry, education, and government to explore how collaborative partnerships are shaping the future of skills delivery. Discussions focused on how joint working between policy, employers and education providers is supporting regional development and delivering innovative responses to national skills challenges – driving opportunity and economic growth.
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) colleagues from across Solihull College & University Centre, BMet and University College Birmingham, as well as GBSIoT Board members and Employers were delighted to attend. It was great to hear Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills reflect on her visit to the GBSIoT Hub earlier this year in her conference address.
Speakers throughout the day, including Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England); Rosa Wells, Chair of the IoT Network; and senior figures from the Department for Business and Trade, Heathrow, Siemens, IBM and Innovate UK, emphasised the importance of demand-led training, employer engagement and place-based approaches to skills.
“Now more than ever, the IoT model is essential to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and supports a thriving, resilient economy.” Rosa Wells, Chair of the IoT Network and GBSIoT Board Member
The conference was a valuable opportunity to share ideas, strengthen connections across the network, and highlight how GBSIoT is contributing to economic growth through high-quality, industry-focused technical education.
We look forward to building on the discussions from the day—deepening partnerships and continuing to develop the skilled workforce our region and economy need.
