The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) is celebrating two years of driving cutting-edge higher technical education and industry collaboration across the region – with growing student numbers, an expanded employer network, and new course developments aligned to local skills needs.
As one of 21 Institutes of Technology (IoT) across the UK, the GMIoT was established in 2023 to provide Level 4 and 5 higher technical education routes via education and employer partners that meet regional labour market needs.
GMIoT was founded as a collaborative partnership between the University of Salford, Wigan & Leigh College, Bury College, Tameside College, and Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.
In its first two years, a total of 1,439 students started programmes ranging from a one year HNC in computing to a five-year degree apprenticeship in nuclear engineering.
A further 802 students began courses in September 2025, bringing the total number to 2,241 since the GMIoT was established in the region.
GMIoT students undertake industry-leading work placements, apprenticeships, and live project experience with major regional and national employers, including Laing O’Rourke, Siemens and GCHQ.
In October 2025, the BBC became the fourth employer partner of the GMIoT, to play a vital role in shaping the region’s digital and technical talent pipeline.
Bridging the gap between industry and education
Each GMIoT employer and education partner helps to co-design the student experience by informing curriculums, hosting events, and providing real-world insight through guest lectures, live briefs, and student projects.
GMIoT students have been invited to visit leading technical centres of innovation, such as the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) and Energy House at the University of Salford; Laing O’Rourke’s Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC); Dock10 Studios in MediaCityUK; Amazon’s robotics enabled fulfillment centre in Bolton.
Wigan & Leigh College’s significant expertise in the energy sector has provided apprenticeship training for key employers such as Sellafield and Electricity North West.
As part of GMIoT, the College, together with the University of Salford, adopted Siemens Connected Curriculum, which provides students and staff with access to industry standard software for advanced manufacturing.
GMIoT has also developed a sustainability programme that all students can participate in. It includes access to carbon literacy training, and was supported by a dedicated sustainability conference in December 2024.
Claire Foreman, Director of GMIoT, commented:
“We’re just over two years in, and we’re just getting started. The GMIoT is transforming the regional economy through investment in higher technical education. In just two years, we’ve provided pathways to long-term, skilled careers by aligning our offer directly with employer needs. We are incredibly proud to be playing such a critical role in building a future-ready and future-proof workforce here in Greater Manchester.”
GMIoT has worked closely with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on the creation of the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (GM LSIP).
This includes launching targeted short courses in artificial intelligence, electric vehicle technologies, lean manufacturing, and cybersecurity fundamentals, which help local employers to upskill staff and build new talent pipelines in critical growth sectors.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, GMIoT will continue to innovate through new course launches, industry-leading employer events, and expanded outreach to adults and underrepresented groups.
Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA portfolio lead for technical education and skills, said:
“The GMIoT plays a crucial role in Greater Manchester’s skills system, delivering advanced, specialist technical education that’s shaped by employer demand. Through flexible routes from T Levels to higher technical qualifications and degree apprenticeships, it equips residents with the skills for high-quality careers and helps businesses access the talent they need to innovate and grow.”
