Swindon visit by Bristol MP

The Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) has been visited by Bristol North West MP Darren Jones.

Mr Jones, who came to the North Star campus, chairs the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee in the House of Commons. 

The MP was given a tour of the new building, which is nearing completion and due to open shortly. He also had the opportunity to talk to students and apprentices studying STEM subjects, especially engineering and computing, about the opportunities that the new IoT will give them. 

Mr Jones said: 

"I'm delighted to see the building work for the IoT here in Swindon, and to understand the great resources you're going to have for young and older learners to get into some of the most cutting-edge sectors in the UK economy. 

"Part of my work nationally is looking at whether we have enough people with the right skills, in the right places, to do the right jobs so that we can create a strong economy. I can see first-hand from my visit here that you're going to be right in that space, for Swindon, for the region and for the country." 

The IoT began teaching its first cohort of students last September. It specialises in degree-level courses and apprenticeships across Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, Health, Creative and Media, Digital and Computer Science, and Business Management sectors. 

The IoT is advised by a group of employers and stakeholders to ensure that it is employer-led and responds to the region's skills needs.