The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) is thrilled to announce its success in winning Higher Technical Education Skills Funding from the Department for Education (DFE). The awarded funding, totalling an impressive £832,000, will be shared among three educational institutions within the GBSIoT network: Solihull College & University Centre, University College Birmingham, and BMet.
Rosa Wells, University College Birmingham FE Principal, Dean of STEM and GBSIoT Board member commented “This award from the Skills Injection Fund will amplify the world-class skills training that the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology supports its education partners to deliver. Learners can upskill while businesses continue to benefit from our close, collaborative approach that places the emphasis on employer needs and tackling skills shortages.”
The Higher Technical Education Skills Fund 2, a key initiative from the Department for Education, aims to empower educational partners to provide higher technical qualifications (HTQ) and bolster the growth of level 4 and 5 qualifications, with a particular focus on the engineering, digital, and construction sectors.
The allocated funds will play a pivotal role in enhancing the capital investment, staff development and employer engagement across Solihull College, University College Birmingham, and BMet.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of GBSIoT and its partner institutions. We are excited to leverage this funding to propel the growth of higher technical qualifications in the region, especially in such key sectors as engineering, digital, and construction”, said Michael Burke, Operations Director at GBSIoT.
Pat Carvalho, Principal and CEO at BMet, GBSIoT Board member, said: “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of advancing technical education as part of the GBSIoT. Our collective efforts at BMet, in conjunction with the GBSIoT network, underscore our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. This substantial investment in HTQs will enable us to enrich our offer, ensuring our students are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry and contribute to the economy. Our success in securing the Higher Technical Education Skills Fund is not just a win for our colleges, but a promise of opportunity for our learners and the communities we serve.”
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are central to GBSIoT’s mission, encompassing a range of specialised programs that provide students with hands-on, industry-relevant skills. These qualifications bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen professions.
Nancy Buckley, Vice Principal for Business, Growth, Skills and Partnerships at Solihull College & University Centre commented: “As the Lead college for the GBSIoT we were proud to steer this bid securing £544K of the funding into growing HTQs in Digital, Engineering and Construction subject areas for Solihull College & University Centre. Collaborations like the GBSIoT allow us to use our expertise to benefit all of the partners involved.”
The Higher Technical Education Skills Fund 2 win solidifies GBSIoT’s position as a leader in shaping the future of technical education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
