London City Institute of Technology welcomes first group of students studying higher-level technical courses to help close the skills gap in key STEM areas

The collaboration between Newham College, Queen Mary University of London and a wide range of employers, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), KPMG and Goldman Sachs, delivers bespoke higher technical education and apprenticeships with a focus on high-demand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering that will provide employers with the skilled workforce they need.

Institutes of Technology form a key part of the Government’s biggest shake-up to technical education in a generation. This includes introducing new T Levels from 2020 – the technical equivalent to A-levels – and more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. Of the first wave of 12 IoTs established, LCIoT is one of three IoTs located in London. These were made up of more than 40 further education providers, around 60 leading employers and 18 universities, including Queen Mary, and a multi-million government investment to fund industry-standard facilities and equipment.

The newly-renovated education and training facility at London City Island features state-of-the art and purpose-built classrooms, workshops and computer rooms. These support students as they pursue technical qualifications and apprenticeships in subjects including Advanced Rail Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and Digital and Technology Solutions.

Ali Allam, 18, BSc Digital and Technology Solutions student, of Barnet in north London, said, “I’m really excited to start my degree here. The building has really great facilities and it’s nice to have such great views of London. I love the environment, it’s a diverse group of students and I’ve felt really welcomed from day one.”

With £28m funding from the Department for Education and the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Institute will play a vital role in delivering the technical skills that employers need to survive and equip students with the high level, practical skills in STEM subjects which are, critically, in short supply.

Building on Queen Mary’s status as the best university for social mobility as identified in a Sutton Trust report in 2021, the LCIoT reflects the University’s role as a public university, building bridges and links with the local community. It will also work to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for adults, helping to fill local skills gaps and building the foundations for future prosperity in the area.

Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal, Queen Mary University of London, said: “We’re delighted to open the London City Institute of Technology with Newham College and our employer partners.  By working in close partnership with Newham College and employers we are opening up a wealth of opportunities for students to take up the high-quality, high-skilled jobs needed today and in the future.  As someone who followed the apprenticeship route at the age of 16, I am very passionate about providing different educational paths to highly-skilled employment for our future generations.

Paul Stephen, Principal and CEO, Newham College, said: “Newham College is delighted to be working in partnership with Queen Mary University of London and our many corporate partners to offer a new and engaging model of higher level, employer endorsed training pathways. These pathways will bridge the current skills gap within current and emerging in-demand technologies and will in turn provide higher levels of professionally qualified applicants within the transport, infrastructure, engineering, digital and energy sectors.”