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Institutes of Technology partner with Freeports to meet future energy needs and support national growth

Four Institutes of Technology (IoTs) have secured funding from their local Freeports to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector through high-quality technical education courses.

January 2025

Four Institutes of Technology (IoTs) have secured funding from their local Freeports to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector through high-quality technical education courses.

Freeports are 12 UK port regions designated by the Government as hubs for industries of the future. Located in areas needing economic support, Freeports receive incentives to unite local government, businesses and other key partners to drive innovation, support low-carbon industries, and boost the economy.

east midlands freeport partners with east midlands iot on the future skills energy hub

East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) is leading the development of the Future Skills Energy Hub (FESH) with a £2 million investment from the East Midlands Freeport, which will see the IoT delivering FESH courses from September 2025. These courses will provide higher technical skills tailored to the needs of businesses operating in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. As the project evolves, the partnership will work to develop additional short courses for rapid upskilling and ensure that sustainable and green energy skills are embedded in all existing technical qualifications.

Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport, said of the partnership:

“We’re fully committed to delivering on the Government’s mission of increasing growth and creating new opportunities for people, communities and businesses in the process.

"The Freeport is the biggest growth initiative in the East Midlands, and we are delighted to be supporting a project which means the benefits of that growth will be felt by people and communities."

East Midlands IoT’s efforts have been recognised in the Association of Colleges' Five Missions report championing the role of colleges across the government’s five missions, which notes:

"EMIoT is a prime example of how educational institutions can directly contribute to Labour’s clean energy mission by fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive the green economy forward and play a critical role in supporting the UK’s journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

east london, london city and south east iots secure funding from thames freeport for hydrogen-focused qualifications

East London, London City and South East IoTs are collaborating to design and deliver hydrogen-focused qualifications at Levels 3, 4 and 5, with support from Thames Freeport’s skills accelerator funding. Demonstrating the power of collaboration among IoTs, all three institutions will offer a unified curriculum developed in partnership with Hydrogen Safe, Plymouth University and Canterbury Christ Church University. The initiative offers a clear career pathway to learners, with stackable microcredentials for Engineering students at Level 3 giving foundational knowledge in hydrogen technologies and more comprehensive qualifications at Levels 4 and 5.

The collaborations between IoTs and Freeports demonstrate a commitment to the new Government’s missions of increasing economic growth, breaking down barriers to opportunity and becoming an energy superpower. With our close ties to employers, access to industry-standard equipment and technology, and expertise in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, IoTs are well placed to address the skills gaps to meet net zero and develop a skilled workforce for the future.

Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of 21 partnerships stretching from Truro to Tyneside, collectively comprising 87 further education colleges, 36 universities, and 101 employer partners. Our mission is to equip individuals with the advanced technical skills needed to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of employers.

If you’d like to contact any of the members of the Executive, get in touch here.

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