South Yorkshire Institute of Technology

The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT) went live in September 2023 engaging with employers and new learners. Backed by over £12 million in funding from the Department for Education, the establishment of SYIoT in South Yorkshire marks a significant milestone for the region, kite-marking the high-quality, higher-level technical education and training provision in the region. One of only twenty-one IoTs nationally, this is a major investment and recognition of the region’s higher education providers.

Partnerships

The education partners are DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, The Sheffield College and RNN Group. With the pace of change and emerging and changing technologies, the investment in South Yorkshire ensures that education providers have access to facilities and equipment that can support them to prepare and develop individuals with skills that meet employer’s needs.

IoTs are partnerships of employers and education providers. SYIoT is supported by core employers of HLM Architects, AESSEAL Plc and Pendo. SYIoT already works with over 5,000 employers in the region but a key focus will be extending the reach, particularly to small and medium sized businesses.

Training and qualifications

Qualifications and courses are designed and delivered with local and national employers. This gives students – of all ages and backgrounds – the practical skills and technical knowledge they need to stand out in the job market and provides employers with the reassurance that the training their staff receive can be applied to their business.

SYIoT provides high-quality training and qualifications in engineering and manufacturing, construction, digital, healthcare sciences, science and media.

Specialising in Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), professional training and higher apprenticeships, the investment in facilities and cutting-edge equipment is focused on widening opportunities in higher education. The courses and qualifications on offer, including bite-size programmes, ensure that individuals should be able to access higher education to enable them to enter or re-enter employment, or upskill to support their progression within employment.

SYIoT offers flexible and affordable qualifications to adults of all ages, and in 2025 the costs of programmes may be supported by the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement as well as current funding streams. For employers, alongside funding support for apprenticeships, education partners can advise on any other funding available, including the Skills Bank.