The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has reached a significant milestone in its history with its first students entering the workplace.
NMITE took in its first students in September 2021. Located in Hereford, it offers forward-thinking integrated engineering degrees. NMITE’s curriculum is hands-on and project-based, ensuring that students gain real-world experience from day one.
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‘Our first cohort of graduates represents the culmination of years of dedication and innovation in engineering education,’ said NMITE’s president and chief executive, James Newby. ‘Their success is a testament to NMITE’s academic rigour and unique learning model, which emphasises practical experience, problem-solving skills and close collaboration with industry partners. Our students were willing to accept the challenge of joining a new institution and they, like our staff, have worked incredibly hard to turn our model into a reality. With the first NMITE graduates out in work, we’re sure our reputation and influence will continue to grow.’
‘This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Balfour Beatty,’ said Tom Newton, engineering and design director at Balfour Beatty. ‘Over the last 12 months we have actively contributed to the NMITE curriculum through our partnership, with a number of our experts supporting teaching modules, outlining what it takes to work in our industry. With the first cohort of students now entering employment, the proof is in the pudding – alongside our colleagues at NMITE, we have successfully delivered what we set out to do, opening doors to young people and arming them with the tools needed to excel in their careers.’
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NMITE students are now taking up a variety of positions locally and nationally. Fin Neate, originally from NMITE’s home county of Herefordshire, who previously studied primary education, and will graduate from NMITE with an MEng (Hons) integrated engineering degree, has landed a role as an engineering and manufacturing graduate at Mondelēz International. ‘I never considered a career in manufacturing until I participated in NMITE’s project-based challenge on the subject,’ she said. ‘The feedback I received during my job interview was overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting my experience at NMITE and my ability to solve real-world problems.’
Elise Cummings, who will graduate from NMITE with an MEng (Hons) Integrated Engineering degree and will be joining Balfour Beatty as a graduate engineer, has had a much longer relationship with NMITE, having been part of the design cohort in 2018. This group of 25 school-leavers and graduates from around the world co-designed NMITE’s learner experience. The cohort helped to create and test drive everything from campus layout to course design, marketing NMITE’s engagement programme and building partnerships with businesses.
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‘From being part of the original design cohort to now graduating and achieving my dream of working in engineering, NMITE has been an incredible journey,’ Elise said. ‘The support and hands-on learning environment have truly prepared me for this role.’
Toby Street, another soon-to-be MEng integrated engineering graduate, also joined NMITE in 2021 and has decided to stay in Herefordshire following his original move from home in Devon. He will be working for the nationally recognised local firm, Oakwrights as a graduate trainee. ‘During my studies at NMITE, I realised that my passion for technology hardware and software aligns perfectly with opportunities across various sectors, including construction,’ he said. ‘Not only have I found a job that resonates with me on many levels, but I am also very keen to stay in Herefordshire. One of NMITE’s goals has wanted to attract talent into the area and I am personally committed to supporting NMITE by staying close.’
Kimberley Pickett, who has already been awarded a BEng (Hons) integrated engineering degree, has taken a role as a section engineer at KIER. ‘After completing my undergraduate degree in business and working in the automotive trade, I wanted to follow my passion for civil engineering projects,’ she said. ‘NMITE provided the perfect place to transition into this field, and I am thrilled to be doing a job I love.’
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According to NMITE, its first graduates underscore the value of NMITE’s mission to bridge the gap between traditional engineering education and the demands of the modern workforce. By offering an accelerated MEng degree, alongside a BEng, NMITE enables students to enter the workplace earlier, while also allowing those who may not be able to afford the traditional Masters route access to a degree that promises to leave them work-ready.