27 August 2021

Minister Gillian Keegan Officially Opens £10.3m Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre

A brand new digital and data centre has opened as part of a new £10.3m Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College.

The South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre, affectionately known as SWIoT, is in a flagship building leading the way in helping to widen opportunities in the industry across the region.

It will focus on employer-led education opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber-security, software development, esports and providing training for Apple’s app development.

“It was an honour to open the South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College,” said Gillian Keegan, Under Secretary of State (Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills). “Our Institutes of Technology are the pinnacle of technical education, helping to develop the highly skilled talent pipeline employers will need for the future.

“By bringing together Further Education colleges, universities and businesses, Institutes of Technology are unique partnerships which will help to tackle skills shortages in vital sectors, from marine engineering to software development.

“The South West Institute of Technology is also playing a vital role in our multi-billion Plan for Jobs, which is helping to level up opportunities and support people from across the region to get the skills they need to progress into exciting careers as we recover from the pandemic.”

John Laramy, Exeter College’s principal and chief executive added: “This is a vital development for our city and region.”

The SWIoT draws on expertise from a group of ‘anchor employers’ who will lead its strategic direction and ensure focus on the latest industry skills – they include Oxygen House and the Met Office in Exeter.