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.

With a proud history of welcoming distinguished figures such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and the Prince of Wales, the hall provided a fitting backdrop for an event focused on progress and collaboration.

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 admiration and appreciation for IoTs’ contribution to promoting skills, opportunity and collaboration, 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:

"I hope today has left you with a clear sense of the difference the IoT Network is making. 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 ideas, strengthen connections across the Network, and highlight how Institutes of Technology are contributing to economic growth through high-quality, industry-focused technical education.

The IoT Network looks forward to building on the discussions from the day—deepening partnerships and continuing to develop the skilled workforce our region and economy need.

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 any of the members of the Executive, get in touch here. 

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