Exeter College Opens Data Centre

The South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) Digital and Data Centre has opened at Exeter College.

The new facility is a flagship that will offer educational opportunities in a variety of advanced technologies including cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, eSports, and Apple app development.

Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College, John Laramy, said of the new facility, “Exeter College is delighted that our Digital and Data Centre is now open, which forms part of the South West Institute of Technology. This is a vital development for our city and region, it is critical that we equip our students and apprentices with the skills of the future, that is in such demand from employers.”

At the official launch, Minister Gillian Keegan echoed the importance of the Centre and the UK’s Institutes of Technology, stating that they are critical to building the talent pipeline of highly skilled candidates that will be needed by employers in the future. She said, “By bringing together Further Education colleges, universities and businesses, Institutes of Technology are unique partnerships which will help to tackle skills shortages in vital sectors, from marine engineering to software development.”

Minister Keegan also noted that the South-West Institute of Technology is important to the government’s Plan for Jobs, “which is helping to level up opportunities and support people from across the region to get the skills they need to progress into exciting careers as we recover from the pandemic.”

The South West Institute of Technology has the support of the government, and also of ‘anchor’ employers that will drive strategy and innovation at the Digital and Data Centre. Anchor employers of the SWIoT include Oxygen House, an Exeter-based venture capital firm as well as the Met Office.

Met Office Chief Executive Penny Endersby said, “We’re thrilled to see the new Digital and Data Centre open at Exeter College and provide the region’s learners with more specialist facilities to help people into careers in digital and analytics.”

“Digital and data skills are crucial for the workforce of tomorrow and we can’t wait to see the benefits this ambitious collaboration between education and employers will bring, not just to the southwest, but to the country as a whole.”