We are delighted to confirm that the project to build an Institute of Technology in the Coast to Capital region has taken an important step forward. The final paperwork for the Institute of Technology project has been signed by all partners and has now been officially named the 'Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology.’

Led by the Chichester College Group in partnership with the University of Sussex, University of Brighton and North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot), the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT) will form a key part of the Government’s policy to increase higher technical education across the country.

The Sussex & Surrey IoT– which has received more than £14million investment from the Government – will create cutting-edge facilities for higher technical educations with a focus on digital and sustainable technologies, with the aim to widen participation into Higher Education and provide a pipeline of talent for local and regional employers.

The Sussex & Surrey IoT will include a new state-of-the-art centre at Crawley College, housing engineering and digital ‘Learning Factories’. Specialist satellites will also open at locations across the region, including an Information and Communications Technology specialism at Nescot. Work will start to ready the opening of the Sussex & Surrey IoT by October 2024, although provision in other facilities will start in 2023.

Launching in 2024/2025, Sussex will be offering higher technical education options to those wishing to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), supported by their employers through Apprenticeship programmes such as Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Apprenticeship and a Post Graduate Engineer Apprenticeship. 

Ian Wakeman, Head of School for Engineering and Informatics at University of Sussex, says:

“We’re really excited to be a part of the Sussex & Surrey IoT. Through the IoT, we will provide a joined up educational pathway in which people can progress all the way from post-16 education through to Masters level whilst remaining within work, and get exposed to the internationally recognised research that happens within universities.”

IoTs aims to encourage more people to continue studying as well as attracting people of all ages to upskill or retrain. They are designed to spearhead the delivery of higher technical education in STEM subjects, bring colleges and universities together with employers to equip local economies with a skilled workforce.

Andrew Green, Chief Executive of CCG, said: “We are delighted to see our plans for the Sussex & Surrey IoT taking shape.

“It has been a long and complex process so far, and we are only the second consortium in the second wave of IoTs to reach this point – which is credit to the team who have been working so hard and diligently behind the scenes.

“The IoT will provide a vital opportunity for all of our communities, across Sussex, Surrey and Brighton & Hove, and it will give them access to an innovative and leading skills curriculum which will champion social mobility.

“Our courses will be designed and delivered in partnership with employers, ensuring we are meeting their needs across a range of industries including digital, engineering and construction.”