The Cheshire & Warrington Institute of Technology (CWIoT) brought together students, colleges, employers and regional stakeholders for its Higher Education Project Conference, celebrating innovation, collaboration and the future of higher-level technical education across the region.
Hosted by Cheshire College – South & West as the Institute’s lead partner, and delivered in collaboration with Macclesfield College, Reaseheath College, Warrington & Vale Royal College and the University of Chester.
The event showcased the strength of partnership working between education and industry, with a marketplace-style exhibition of higher education student projects from across the CWIoT network, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with students, staff and employer partners from across CWIoT, exploring projects designed in response to regional skills priorities and industry skills.
Alex Edmunds, Director of the Cheshire & Warrington Institute of Technology, said:
“It was fantastic to bring together partners from across education and industry to showcase the work taking place through CWIoT. The conference really highlighted what strong collaboration can achieve in developing the skills our region needs. The projects on display reflect the exceptional higher-technical skills our higher education students continue to develop, alongside the confidence, creativity and passion they bring to their work.”
The conference also featured a keynote address from Chris Johnson of the University of Chester, who explored the theme of project-based innovation through his presentation, Learning Leadership Through Comic Literature, which examined creative approaches to leadership and learning.
Guests also heard from Jack Bate of Terroso, a former degree apprentice at Cheshire College, who reflected on how higher education, technical training and industry experience had supported his career progression.
The programme also included employer discussions, a project review panel and recognition awards celebrating outstanding student achievement. Attendees toured CWIoT facilities, gaining insight into the Institute’s growing higher education provision, employer partnerships and investment in technical learning environments.
The CWIoT is one of 20 Institutes of Technology across the country, helping address regional skills shortages and support economic growth. Specialising in higher technical education in advanced engineering and manufacturing, agriculture, construction, digital and life sciences, the institute is helping develop a highly skilled workforce and create clear progression routes into skilled careers within the region.
For more information about the Cheshire & Warrington Institute of Technology, visit https://cwiot.ac.uk/
