Macclesfield College is set to benefit from significant investment after a collaborative bid with Cheshire College South and West, Warrington and Vale Royal College, Reaseheath College, the University of Chester and Priestley College has successfully secured £13m funding to develop an Institute of Technology in the region.

Institutes of Technology (IoT) are unique collaborations between employers, colleges and universities that specialise in offering high-quality higher technical education and training. They are designed to improve access to flexible, high quality education and training that ensures that the region has the skilled workforce needed in Cheshire and Warrington. Macclesfield College will offer a range of courses in Engineering, Computing, Health and Life Sciences and the Built Environment.

Rachel Kay, Principal and Chief Executive at Macclesfield College, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Institute of Technology. Our focus has always been on ensuring that we provide high quality training that equips learners with the skills and qualifications needed to be successful in the workplace. This investment will enable us to develop the higher level skills being demanded by employers, help keep the region at the forefront of industry developments and retain workforce talent within Cheshire.

“The IoT has been secured following a comprehensive and competitive process. The funding will support the development of the region’s higher level offer and enable those studying to benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.”

David Rutley MP said: ‘I am very pleased to see that Macclesfield College is set to benefit from the recently secured Institute of Technology investment. The £2.1 million funding allocated to the College will play a vital role in helping to achieve its ambitious plans for the future, including developing its programmes involving the construction sector.

We are all very proud of this successful collaborative bid from the local colleges and I look forward to continuing to support Macclesfield College’s work as they take forward their vision for the future.’

Led by Cheshire College, the IoT is Cheshire and Warrington, was one of nine Institutes of Technology announced by the Department for Education in December 2021.