On 3 July 2025, representatives from the 21 Institutes Technology joined employers, education leaders and policymakers from across the country at the National IoT Conference at Central Hall Westminster, London.

Titled “Boosting Opportunity, Skills & Growth”, the flagship event event brought together senior leaders from industry, education, and government to explore how collaborative partnerships are shaping the future of skills delivery. Discussions focused on how joint working between policy, employers and education providers is supporting regional development and delivering innovative responses to national skills challenges – driving opportunity and economic growth.

Speakers throughout the day, including Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England); Rosa Wells, Chair of the IoT Network; and senior figures from the Department for Business and Trade, Heathrow, Siemens, IBM and Innovate UK, emphasised the importance of demand-led training, employer engagement and place-based approaches to skills.

An opening address from Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills at the Department for Education expressed her appreciation for IoTs’ contribution to her agenda, and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting IoTs until at least 2028.

“Your hard work is pivotal in achieving our goals. I look forward to continuing working with you in the future to ensure that the UK economy remains world-leading and future-proof, to ensure that everyone willing to learn has the opportunity.”

Professor Rosa Wells, Chair of the IoT Network, summed up the day by saying:

"We are not just addressing skills shortages, we are expanding opportunity, improving lives, and helping deliver growth in every region. Now more than ever, the IoT model is essential to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and supports a thriving, resilient economy."

The conference was a valuable opportunity to share how IoTs have been addressing skills needs in areas like clean energy technologies, agri-tech, advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction, and healthcare.

You can read more about how Institutes of Technology are driving regional economic growth by addressing critical technical skills shortages in sectors vital to the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Skills England priorities in our latest Impact Report here.

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 the Executive of the National Network of IoTs, get in touch here. 

If you’d like to get in touch with your local IoT to talk about opportunities for collaboration, find your nearest IoT here.