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The Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology has a laser-sharp focus to help our amazing region prosper.
Two years in, we’re proving that collaboration between education and industry can deliver measurable impact.
We were originally formed as part of a £300m government project to drive economic growth by developing a skilled, work-ready population.
Since then, we’ve seen fantastic results – and we’ve only just started.
At the heart of the IoT’s mission is preparing people for the demands of modern industry. In just two years, more than 1,200 learners have been enrolled in technical training courses designed to meet the exact needs of employers.
The IoT’s foundation is built on the collaboration of eight colleges – Blackpool and the Fylde College, Burnley College, Nelson and Colne College Group, Preston College, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Runshaw College, Lakes College and Blackburn College – working with three university research partners (University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University and Edge Hill University) to drive innovation in curriculum design and delivery.
In addition, we’ve established sector advisory groups that meet regularly to help shape course content. They play a vital role in identifying current and emerging skills gaps, informing training and ensuring we align what we offer with what employers need.
These are courses informed by real-world insights and tailored to the evolving landscape of our key sectors – engineering and manufacturing, construction, digital, automotive, science and health.
This work has enabled us to engage with more than 1,000 businesses across the region. Employers get involved by using the IoT to upskill their staff, hosting learner placements, providing live project briefs and delivering guest lectures. This engagement means that training remains relevant, dynamic and rooted in the needs of the modern economy.
We’ve also educated those in power on the amazing work being done by our eight colleges by opening our doors to welcome some of our region’s MPs. This has even led to praise in Parliament about our work in construction following a visit to Preston College by Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis.
While our achievements are considerable, the region still faces hurdles. Just 35 per cent of Lancashire and Cumbria residents hold a Level 4 qualification or higher, compared to a national average of 44 per cent. Bridging this gap is critical for innovation, productivity and long-term economic resilience.
The Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for both counties spotlight the urgency of building a sustainable talent pipeline. The Lancashire LSIP stresses the need to attract and develop the workforce, while Cumbria’s LSIP highlights ongoing recruitment challenges that must be addressed by better engaging young people with exciting career pathways.
Looking ahead, the IoT is well positioned to continue its growth journey, backed by government’s Plan for Change missions and aligned with the ambitions of the Lancashire Growth Plan and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub.
Two years in, the invitation remains open to learners and employers to join us in growing our economy together.
