The government is establishing high-quality institutes of technology (IoTs). South and City college is a partner in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT, which was successful in its application through a government-led competition.

Institutes of Technology are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities and employers. They specialise in delivering higher technical education (at Levels 4 and 5) with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

IoTs focus on the specific technical skills needs required in their area. They provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment.

IoTs are designed for:

• young people taking T levels or A levels who want to progress to higher technical education
• adult learners who want access to further training
• people in employment who want to develop new skills

The Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT specialises in Engineering and Manufacturing and was developed to incorporate all Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Institutions in the region. The IoT is also advised by a group of Employers and Stakeholders to ensure that it is employer led and responds to the requirements of the area. A full list of partners and stakeholders can be found below.

As part of the GBS IoT, South and City College will be delivering the following programmes from September 2020:

• Foundation Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• HNC Automotive Engineering

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology is a region-wide collaboration between the following partners and stakeholders.