When news of NMITE was announced in March 2019, NMITE was recognised as the UK's first new purpose-built university in over 40 years, designed to solve the UK’s 'alarming' engineering shortage.
New Model for Higher Education in the UK
The moment marks not just the culmination of the university’s unique journey, but a major landmark in the evolution of higher education in the UK. NMITE is one of a new breed of institutions seeking to revolutionise higher education by tying together academic knowledge, practical skills and professional learning.
Inclusive Education and Alternative Routes to University
NMITE is committed to equality of opportunity, providing routes to a high quality university degree for those normally facing barriers to traditional universities. Its first cohort of students come from a wide range of backgrounds and many have transferred to NMITE after discovering that traditional universities were not right for them. NMITE selects its students by ensuring that they show the grit and determination to succeed on a demanding course – and then ensuring that they learn everything they need on that journey.
Innovative Engineering Curriculum and Employability Success
NMITE’s innovative, hands-on learning model has now produced its first work-ready engineers who chose a bold new path in engineering education and are set to become the next generation of changemakers. Today’s graduates are already making their mark on the world, with 100% of graduates seeking jobs already in work at some of the most prestigious engineering firms in the UK, including Balfour Beatty, Mondelez and Kier. At the ceremony, another NMITE graduate recruiter, BAE Systems will be represented by its Chair, Cressida Hogg CBE, who will deliver the keynote speech.
Support for Regional Growth and Visionary Leadership
"This day is not only significant for NMITE, but also for Herefordshire;” comments James Newby, President and CEO of NMITE. “NMITE was created to serve and support this region, not to ‘fix’ what is lacking, but to build on what is already great. We are here because Herefordshire deserves world-class higher education and because we believe the future of engineering should be shaped in places like this.”
“We are here to celebrate NMITE’s first graduating class;” comments Jesse Norman, Chair of NMITE. “These remarkable young people are true pioneers. In 2021, they joined NMITE on a journey to redefine what engineering education could be and make it an engine of transformational change. Through their dedication, teamwork, creativity and skill, they have not only shaped their own futures, they have helped build the foundations of NMITE itself.”
A Proven Model of Modern Engineering Education
Since NMITE first opened its doors to students in 2021, it has demonstrated how a new model can offer something new to the university system and help young people, to become not just ‘critical thinkers, but thinking doers’. The new model has become a proven success.
