Technology institute due to open in September
The college is working with local companies to create work experience opportunities
- Published
A new East Midlands Institute of Technology will open in September with places for more than 1,000 students at sites in Derby and Loughborough.
The institute is a joint venture involving Derby College, Loughborough College, the University of Derby and Loughborough University.
Major companies, including Rolls-Royce and Toyota, are backing it and will be offering work experience placements.
A £5.7m building is being constructed on Pride Park in Derby and is due to be completed in September.
Executive director Rachel Quinn said there would be plenty of jobs on offer to students.
She said: "For me, having worked in the East Midlands a long time, seeing these jobs and these opportunities that we can't fill locally seems such a shame when I know we've got people living around Derby that would love to have the opportunity of a great career."
Executive director Rachel Quinn believes engineering jobs have changed over the years
There are 21 of these institutes being set up across the country with funding from the Department for Education.
Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Bloc Digital, and Fujitsu are supporting the East Midlands Institute by providing professional mentoring, site visits, and work experience.
Ms Quinn said in the past people have been put off from applying for work in engineering but she said times have changed.
She added: "Sometimes there's a perception about engineering that it might be hard, dirty or grotty work - but it is just not like that any more.
"These are very professional environments. There is lots of opportunity and there are lots of jobs available."
Ian McCormick, IT Director at Derby College, said the new Derby building will be carbon neutral
The institute's new building is next to the station and Derby College's Roundhouse site.
College IT director Ian McCormick said: "It (the building) is going to be very modern. We're going to be using cutting-edge technology.
"The whole site will be carbon neutral with solar panels and LED lighting."
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