CRAVEN College has become part of a consortium of colleges in the region which has received investment from the Department of Education to develop the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology (IoT).

The IoT will bring around £10million of capital funding into the region for partners to invest in industry standard equipment and provide higher level technical training.

This training boost is expected to enhance employment opportunities and ensure highly qualified employees for the region's employers.

The bid has received significant levels of employer support. Local digital businesses, including Skipton Building Society, Computershare, RBA Consulting and Selestial Software and Media have recognised the need for investment in education to address their digital skills shortages and are now involved as partners in designing and delivering a unique, employer led curriculum, supported by research from the universities.

Other businesses with similar interests are joining the group and the door is open for others to become a partner if they wish. Employers will be part of the governance of the IoT to ensure continued collaboration and long term benefits for the region.

Andrew Cropley, principal of Craven College, said: "This is a really important development for Craven College. We already have very well established IT and computing courses, but this new investment will enable us to create a whole new computing suite to enable students to develop up to date digital skills.

"Working with our rapidly growing number of employer partners will ensure that our curriculum is designed and delivered to create future employees with the skills businesses require locally and regionally."