FAQS

An Institute of Technology (IoT) is an exciting place to gain quality training and qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)-based subjects. With 21 located across England, Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers. Backed by a £290 million government investment, IoTs deliver the very best in technical education. From construction to cybersecurity, health science to high value manufacturing, IoTs offer quality education and training for coveted careers, designed, and delivered with local and national employers.

Rooted within their regions, and with employers at their heart, Institutes of Technology bring together the knowledge and expertise of their college, university, and employer partners into one place. Making it easy for learners and employers to identify how an IoT can meet their needs. Specialising in higher education, each IoT focuses on the specific technical skills need required in their area. Working in partnership with employers, ensuring they have a skilled workforce, IoTs also give students a clear route into employment through the delivery of quality courses and apprenticeships. 

Higher technical education (HTE) is a type of higher education that includes classroom-based qualifications – like HNC/Ds and Foundation Degrees - and higher apprenticeships. These courses are designed to lead to high skilled jobs, by helping you to gain the skills, knowledge and industry contacts that give you the best chance of getting the job you want. HTE courses are often shorter and cheaper than three-year Bachelor’s degrees, and the best of them will soon be given an approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) quality mark by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). You can view the HTQ subjects available now and in the future. As well as helping you progress in your career, HTE can also be used to fast track to a degree if you want to take your education further.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology specialises in STEM-based subjects and offers a range of full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and short courses in subjects including digital, high-value manufacturing, advanced engineering, modern methods of construction, health sciences and professional services.  Check out our course page for further details.

We are constantly reviewing our course offer to provide a range of flexibly delivered options, check out our course page for further details. 

We have invested millions in our facilities, providing you access to state of the art, industry standard equipment and technologies that you will find in the modern workplace. IoT qualifications and training have been developed with respected industry partners and we continually review their content to make sure we keep them up-to-date. You can learn at the level that’s right for you and leave with the recognised qualifications and the work-ready skills you need to pursue a well-paid, rewarding career. We take diversity and inclusion seriously and offer lots of support and small-group teaching as well as the opportunity to study part-time and remotely.

Anyone can apply for an IoT course – we welcome anyone with ambition who wants to make a difference in the place they work and the community in which they live. Double check the entry requirements for your chosen course on our website and you’re good to go. 

Employers are at the heart of our IoT as core partners and members of our governing body. The courses offered are designed and delivered with employers, so you can be confident that the training you receive can be applied to the workplace immediately.

If you have found the perfect course for you, but the cost of returning to education is holding you back then we may be able to help. As an adult learner, there is lots of financial support available to help you return to study.  The type and level of support/funding available to you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your age, your prior education, your level of study and your financial situation. 

Options may include:

Advanced Learner Loan

Adult learners can pay for their Level 3 and above course with an Advanced Learner Loan. You’ll only repay when your income is over £480 per week, £2083 per month or £25,000 per year before tax and other deductions.  The loan is not means tested and is not subject to any other credit checks – click here for more information.

Tuition Fee & Living Cost Loans (Level 4+ courses only)

Tuition fee and living cost loans are available if you study a full-time course and tuition fee loans cover course fees if you study part-time.  What’s more you pay nothing back until you are earning more than £25,000. Find out more information below.

Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships do not charge a tuition fee as this is met by the government and your employer. You study whilst working. As an apprentice, you will be earning money while you learn and will graduate debt free.

The following options may also be available:

• FREE Level 3 courses – if you are 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 course you may be entitled to your course for free. If you are claiming benefits or earning less than £25,000 get in touch for further information
• Bursary (College Maintenance) payments
• Discretionary Childcare Funding 

Get in touch for further information: info@sotsiot.ac.uk.

We’re delighted you’re interested in applying for a course with us.  Many learners start with browsing our course information or visiting an open event.  On our website, click on the course/apprenticeship you want to apply for. Click apply today on the right hand side of the course page.  Complete the application form and click submit!

If you are applying for a full-time course or an apprenticeship you should apply for a place between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025. Applications received after this date will still be considered but course places may be limited. 

Entry requirements differ, depending on the course and level you are studying.  Please see our individual course pages for further information.