Blackpool’s Institute of Technology is a game changer

When I think about the future of our town and the opportunities available to local people, it’s clear that digital innovation is necessary. Last week I visited the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT) which I believe can play a central role in turning that vision into reality.

Based at Blackpool and the Fylde College (B&FC), the IoT is already transforming the educational landscape for our young people. The technology I saw there is so impressive – from driving simulators and virtual reality igloos to cyber security labs and data analytics facilities, B&FC is offering students access to the kind of cutting-edge technology that, in my youth, would have seemed like something out of science fiction. As a keen gamer myself, it was exciting to try out some of the industry-leading equipment – technology that is already preparing the next generation of digital professionals.

But beyond the gadgets and the high-tech labs, what really excites me is the potential for this project to fuel Blackpool’s economic transformation. The IoT’s aim is to bridge the gap between education and industry by ensuring that students are learning on the very technology they’ll be using in the workforce.

Government investment of £8.7 million is already helping colleges in Lancashire and Cumbria, including B&FC, equip their students with the skills that industries demand. These aren’t just theoretical skills. Students are working on real-world problems, whether that’s creating virtual environments for companies to test new designs or responding to simulated cyber-attacks in their labs.

One of the things I’m most passionate about is how this project is opening doors for those who may not have gone down the traditional university route. The IoT offers students the opportunity to get hands-on with technical training that can directly lead to careers in sectors like cybersecurity, digital support services, and network engineering. Take 19-year-old Harry Smith, who I met during my visit. Harry completed his T Level in digital support services at B&FC and is now embarking on an apprenticeship in network engineering. For Harry and countless others like him, the IoT is providing a clear path to meaningful, rewarding careers.

This is exactly the kind of opportunity Blackpool needs if we’re to attract top digital businesses to the area and offer young people the chance to stay and build a career here. Too often, we hear that talented individuals have to leave Blackpool to find work in the digital sector, but with institutions like the IoT, we can ensure that our town becomes a magnet for innovation and a centre of digital excellence.

I’m also particularly impressed by the inclusive approach of the IoT. It's not just about teaching students how to use technology – it’s about making sure that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has access to the training and support they need to succeed. As someone who understands the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities, I’m proud to see that the IoT is offering pathways into industry that are flexible and accessible to all. This is the kind of initiative that can truly make a difference in the lives of young people who might otherwise have been left behind.

The Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology is a game-changer for Blackpool and I will continue to support its work. The opportunities for young people are vast and the potential for Blackpool’s economy to thrive in the digital age has never been clearer.

View the courses available at the IoT here.