HARLOW College is set to become a major part of the new £12.9 million South East Institute of Technology announced today.

The new Institute of Technology will allow Harlow’s young people to access and train with unique collaborations between employers, colleges and universities that specialise in offering high-quality Higher Technical Education and training in subjects such as advanced manufacturing, digital and cyber security, aerospace and healthcare.

The announcement is coupled with a further £1.8 million of Government funding for new refurbishment works at Harlow College. This comes on top of nearly £20 million of Government investment over the past ten years for the College to build its Advanced Manufacturing Centre and many other building upgrades and provision improvements.

Commenting on the announcement, Robert Halfon MP said: “I have worked hard as MP to champion education and apprenticeships in our town to secure investment for our brilliant college. I am delighted that, thanks to this new Government investment, Harlow’s young people will have the chance to climb the education ladder of opportunity and gain the skills to secure high-quality jobs in their home town.

“We have so many exciting investments building an even better Harlow, whether it be the Enterprise Zone and all of the world-leading businesses moving into the London Road site or our new hospital and the many high-skilled jobs that will bring. This new Institute of Technology will mean will every young person in Harlow the chance to secure the high-skilled jobs those investments are creating and I look forward to working with the college to see the further success this brings to our town.”

Harlow College Principal, Karen Spencer said: “Harlow College is delighted to be part of the new South East Institute of Technology, covering Essex, Kent and East Sussex. The funding will be used to redevelop some of our campus to focus on the higher level technical skills required by our local employer base.

“A key aim will be to provide people with the opportunity to study to higher national diploma level in the disciplines of Engineering, Health Sciences and Transport & Logistics. We are partnering with two major local employers, Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust and London Stansted Airport Ltd, as well as Anglia Ruskin University.”