A multimillion pound bid to revolutionise digital technology education across the South West has reached the final phase of competition.

The Department for Education (DfE) is awarding £170 million to establish a network of Institutes of Technology across the country. They will offer training and apprenticeships in higher-level technical skills.

They will aim to bridge skills gaps in the economy by providing the knowledge and training that employers need. It would deliver a range of higher level courses across the digital, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Of 35 original applications, the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) bid, led by the University of Exeter, is one of 16 to progress to the final stage of the competitive process.

The Institute, which could launch in 2021 if funding is granted, is expected to cost £25 million. Of that, £15 million would be provided by the Government, with the remaining £10 million made up by the partnership behind the bid.

The proposal draws on expertise from 12 partner organisations. Alongside the University of Exeter, the Institute would draw on expertise from the University of Plymouth, Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc, and Truro & Penwith College.

This bid is also supported by both Heart of the South West and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).