Bury College's soon to be completed health and digital centre will be one of the sites in the region to offer technology training to students, workers and residents.

The site has been approved as a core partner of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), which will be constructed at the University of Salford.

The college will specialise in health and digital provision as part of the arrangement.

It will provide "greater opportunities for learners, employers and the wider community to benefit from higher technical skills and education in these key areas of local and regional need and demand".

Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are the government’s flagship programme designed to spearhead the delivery of higher technical education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.  

The first wave of 12 IoTs have already opened across the country.

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology has been approved as part of wave two of the national programme.

READ NEXT > MP's fury as Bury to Rochdale rail line funding falls through but all may not be lost

Bury Times: An artist's impression of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology building, which will be based at the University of SalfordAn artist's impression of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology building, which will be based at the University of Salford (Image: The Fairhursts Design Group)

By being part of the GMIoT, the college says it will "further expand its wide range of courses, including higher technical qualifications and apprenticeships, which have been designed to support learners into jobs in growth sectors for Greater Manchester".

And as part of of the agreement, there will be investment to improve buildings and facilities at the college.

The college confirmed there will be refurbishments taking place at its sport centre.

The GMIoT has been developed in consultation with employers across Greater Manchester and will support people who might be considering a career in health and digital, including those looking to upskill or retrain.

Both borough MPs have welcomed the move.

READ NEXT > Black pudding firm worker celebrating after winning Made in Bury Draw

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said: “I am delighted to learn of this development and I’m proud to have been involved from the start.

"This can only open up Bury and North Manchester to develop further within the jobs market and is great news for the town.”

Bury North MP James Daly added: “Bury College’s partnership with Greater Manchester Institute of Technology will be transformative for the opportunities available for young people here in Bury.

"It is absolutely critical that local people are able to gain the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce and this partnership is a massive step towards that for our town.

"Bury College is a fantastic organisation already and this partnership will allow them to go even further in supporting our young people.”