The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) took centre stage at the National Institutes of Technology Conference 2025, held last week at Central Hall Westminster.
Themed “Boosting Opportunity, Skills & Growth Through Collaboration”, the flagship event brought together leaders from government, industry and education to explore how Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are shaping the future of UK skills delivery.
Claire Foreman, Director of Greater Manchester Institute of Technology, led key discussions in the Construction breakout session, sharing how GMIoT is responding to sector demand with new programmes such as Modern Methods of Construction, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), and employer-informed short courses.
She also highlighted how GMIoT is expanding geographical access to technical education and enriching the student experience through hands-on employer engagement and cutting-edge research insight.
“The employer voice is central to everything we do,” Claire Foreman said. “From demonstrating the latest drone surveying technologies and digital twin models of buildings, to recommending specialist software for our courses, our partners help keep our curriculum industry-relevant and future-focused.”
Foreman spoke about the importance of exposing students to the latest developments in retrofit and innovative building materials, as well as the future direction of travel in the construction industry. For GMIoT, this has included facilitating visits to leading research centres such as Energy House One and Energy House Two.
Long-standing GMIoT partner, Gert Rohrmann of Siemens, joined a panel to speak about the Connected Curriculum collaboration with GMIoT and Birmingham & Solihull IoT. He praised GMIoT’s role in training Siemens apprentices at both Tameside College and the University of Salford, and highlighted the Institute’s contribution to inspiring young people into STEM careers.
“Gert’s remarks were a powerful endorsement of our work,” continued Claire Foreman. “We’re proud to be seen as a trusted partner in building a diverse, skilled workforce ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
Audience questions centred around how employers can meaningfully contribute to IoT delivery, and the work GMIoT has undertaken to enhance the quality of their student experience. Mark Cottam from GMIoT partner, Laing O’Rourke highlighted the importance of recruiting a diverse workforce onto higher apprenticeship programmes.
Claire Foreman concluded: “The National IoT Conference was a timely opportunity to showcase how GMIoT is delivering on the shared mission of Institutes of Technology right across the country; boosting opportunity, skills and growth through meaningful collaboration.
“At GMIoT, we’re not just responding to skills demand, we’re anticipating it. Our mission is to equip learners with the higher technical skills needed to thrive in the industries shaping the UK’s future – construction, engineering, health, digital and beyond. By working hand-in-hand with leading employers, we deliver real-world learning experiences so that our students graduate ready to lead in a rapidly changing workforce.”
