North-East Institute of Technology expands with three new strategic partners
Caption: L to R: Li Xue – TDR Training Limited – Chief Executive, David Gardner – Tyne Coast College – Principal, Prof René Koglbauer – Newcastle University – Dean of Lifelong Learning and Professional Practice, Prof Jacquie Robson – Durham University – Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Taught Programmes), Carina Tomlinson – East Durham College – Vice Principal, Carole Todd – Darlington College – Deputy CEO and Principal, Nicola Raine – Derwentside College – Assistant Principal – Business Development and Technical Education, Sharon Grant – Director North East Institute of Technology, Andy Broadbent – New College Durham – Principal and CEO, Kate Marshall – Esh Group – Social Value Manager (North East), Darren Hankey – Hartlepool College of FE – Principal, Claire Jones – Nissan – HR – Head of Skills, Gary Potts – Middlesbrough College – Vice Principal: Business, Innovation and Community Partnerships
The North-East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) has further strengthened its position as the region’s hub for technical excellence by welcoming TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College into its growing partnership.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in the NEIoT’s mission to build a more cohesive, employer-endorsed skills system.
By bringing together these high-profile institutions, the NEIoT’s collaborative reach across the North-East is stronger, directly addressing the urgent need for higher technical skills in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), Construction and the Built Environment and Digital and AI.
Dr. Sharon Grant, Director of NEIoT, welcomed the new partners. She said: “The North-East Institute of Technology was created to bring education and industry together to meet the region’s higher technical skills needs, and the addition of TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College is another important step forward.
“Building on the strong foundations established since 2020 and further strengthened in 2025 with the addition of Bishop Auckland College, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Derwentside College, this growing partnership strengthens our ability to respond to employer demand across
“Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, and Digital and AI. By working collaboratively, we are creating a simpler, more joined-up skills system, reducing duplication, raising aspirations, and delivering employer-endorsed, industry-relevant provision.
“Together, we are stronger, smarter, and better placed to support economic growth across the region.”
The NEIoT serves as a strategic bridge between education and industry, acting as a ‘front door’ for employers to engage with the region’s talent pipeline.
By working together, the partners reduce duplication and replication in training, ensuring that the curriculum is enriched by industry insights and aligned with the specific economic needs of the North-East.
This smarter, joined-up thinking approach is designed to raise aspirations for learners while making it easier for businesses to access the specialised higher technical qualifications required for the future.
The addition of TDR Training, Durham University and Darlington College complements the existing network of Bishop Auckland, Derwentside, Hartlepool, New College Durham, East Durham, Middlesbrough and Tyne Coast colleges, alongside Newcastle University and lead employer partners Esh Group and Nissan.
Li Xue, Chief Executive of TDR Training, said: “We are very pleased that TDR Training is joining the NEIoT. This partnership is an important step for us and for the region.
“By working closely with our education and industry partners, we can help develop the higher level technical skills needed in Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Digital and AI.
“Our aim is to raise aspirations, support employers and create more opportunities for young people and adults. We believe that collaboration is the best way to build a stronger and more connected skills system for the North-East, and we are proud to contribute.”
Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacquie Robson, who is Durham University’s lead for the North-East Institute of Technology, said: “Durham University recognises the extraordinary talent, creativity and ambition within our region, and we are delighted to be joining the North-East Institute of Technology partnership to help that potential flourish.
“By deepening the connections between education and industry, this collaboration ensures that people across the region can access the high-quality technical skills and opportunities they deserve, and that the region needs.
“We are proud to support the NEIoT in creating clear pathways into rewarding, future-focused careers right here in the North-East. Becoming a partner reaffirms both our commitment to the region and our belief in the strength of working together to drive opportunity and growth.”
Carole Todd, Deputy CEO and Principal at Darlington College, said: “Joining an established Institute of Technology is a major step forward for our learners, our staff and our region.
“It strengthens our ability to deliver high-level technical education, gives students access to industry-standard facilities and employer links, and ensures our provision is closely aligned to the skills employers need now and in the future.
“It’s about giving people the best possible start, or restart in high-value technical careers.”
As one of the UK’s first 12 Institutes of Technology, the NEIoT continues to make significant investments in purpose-built centres equipped with world-class technology.
These facilities provide learners with the environments they need to master the latest advancements in the built environment, motor vehicle and digital sectors.
By promoting a ‘stronger together’ ethos, the NEIoT is building a smarter, more integrated ecosystem that ensures the North-East remains at the forefront of the UK’s industrial and digital future.
ABOUT
About the North-East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) The NEIoT is a collaboration of further education colleges, universities, and leading employers. It specialises in delivering high-quality higher technical education (Level 4 and 5) to help close the skills gap in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, and digital technology.
