The Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology has welcomed more than 400 new students to its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) programs since the start of September, according to a press communication.

The "early projections" for the 2024-2025 academic year indicate that 408 students have enrolled on the programs, which range from engineering and equine science to precision livestock and computing.

Upon completion of their courses, students will be equipped with qualifications including Bachelors of Science with Honours, Foundation Degrees in Science, and Higher National Certificates.

Mark Gibson, director of the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, said: "We’re delighted to welcome over 400 new students to our Institute of Technology courses, helping to boost STEM skills across the region.

"Many businesses in the region face challenges when it comes to upskilling their workforce and accessing a pipeline of industry-ready talent.

"By welcoming these new students to our courses, which are tailored to local business needs, we’re ensuring that the future workforce will have the skills that these businesses need to succeed.

"STEM plays a critical role in today’s world and almost every industry is connected to it in some way, so welcoming fresh talent to our courses every year is so important as we work to drive innovation and economic growth in the Yorkshire and Humber region."

The Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology is a partnership of local employers and education providers including York College & University Centre, Selby College, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Craven College, East Riding College, Scarborough TEC, the University of Hull, and York St John University.

A spokesperson added: "The partnership aims to support learning in STEM by working collaboratively with learners, education providers, and employers in the region."

To find out more about the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, please visit www.yhiot.ac.uk