University of Chichester celebrates launch of £15 million skills hub at Crawley College
The University of Chichester is pleased to be a founding partner in the newly opened Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT), a £15 million investment in higher technical education and skills development across the region.
Officially opened at Crawley College, the SSIoT building represents a major step forward in delivering cutting-edge training in engineering, construction, and digital technologies. The new facility brings together leading educational institutions and employers to address regional skills needs and support economic growth.
As a key partner, the University of Chichester contributes specialist expertise and academic leadership to the SSIoT, ensuring students gain access to high-quality education and industry-relevant training. The collaboration also strengthens links between higher education and local employers, helping to shape a workforce equipped for the future. SSIoT is a partnership between Chichester College Group, the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex, the University of Chichester and Nescot.
The launch event, attended by representatives from partner institutions, employers and local stakeholders, was marked by an official opening from Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley. The SSIoT is set to play a vital role in supporting the South East’s expanding economy, particularly in sectors such as net-zero construction, digital innovation, and developments linked to the expansion of Gatwick Airport.
Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chichester, said: “We are delighted to be part of this transformative initiative. The SSIoT reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality technical education and working collaboratively to meet the evolving needs of our region’s industries and communities.”
As part of the SSIoT, the University of Chichester is offering digital marketing, data science, software engineering, manufacture engineering, electrical engineering and surveying apprenticeships, as well as a postgraduate engineering apprenticeship.
Paul Rolfe, Director of SSIoT and Associate Principal for Employers and Stakeholders at Chichester College Group, said: “The official opening of the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology at Crawley College today marks a major milestone for our region’s future. Having all our key stakeholders—from local universities and the council to leading employers and community partners—here to witness the launch, along with the official opening by Peter Lamb MP, truly underscores the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. This Institute isn’t just a new building; it’s a vital, state-of-the-art hub dedicated to equipping our workforce with the higher-level technical skills businesses desperately need. We’re ready to start delivering the talent pipeline that will power the economic growth of Sussex and Surrey.”
