IEG Newsletter: February 2025 by InspireEducationGroup

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

PETERBOROUGH’S EDUCATION PROVIDERS SHARE AMBITION TO DRIVE SKILLS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

In a move set to transform the region’s educational landscape, Peterborough’s three leading education institutions, ARU Peterborough, Inspire Education Group and University Centre Peterborough, have announced a trailblazing collaboration aimed at boosting skills development, increasing access to education, and driving the city and region’s economic growth.

The collaboration will focus on the shared goal of creating a highly skilled, diverse workforce, providing students with the training and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market. The partnership also aims to create a lasting impact on the wider region by ensuring that the skills developed through higher education align with the needs of students, local employers and industries, while also establishing Peterborough and the region as a national leader for social mobility, with a commitment to lifelong learning and development.

The three institutions will collectively promote the work, achievements, and ambitions of the city on the national stage. The institutions are also committed to working together on initiatives that encourage student engagement, making Peterborough even more student-friendly. Furthermore, they aim to support efforts to attract high-quality staff to work in further and higher education in the city, ensuring that Peterborough remains a vibrant, academic hub as well as a skills hub.

Read the full article here.

MP ANDREW PAKES AND IEG CEO RACHEL NICHOLLS CELEBRATE LOCAL BUSINESSES CHAMPIONING APPRENTICESHIPS

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, and Rachel Nicholls, Principal and CEO of Inspire Education Group, visited two leading local employers, Codem Composites and Baker Perkins, to see first-hand how Apprenticeships are helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

“Apprentices have been an integral part of Codem’s growth and recruitment strategy for many years. The expansion and development of advanced materials have provided a perfect platform to train a new breed of engineers. This can only be achieved through a true partnership style collaboration with a forwardthinking provider, something we’ve found consistently in IEG, as they understand and support our short, medium and long-term goals.” - Kevin Doherty, Managing Director at Codem Composites.

IEG’S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITES SHOWCASED BY LEADING WEB DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITINERIS

Following our Gold win for Website Development at the FE First Awards, Itineris has featured IEG in a press release!

The transformation has led to a staggering rise in engagement and brand visibility across the region:

• 400% increase in website traffic from search.

• 84% increase in clicks on search terms for Peterborough College.

• 198% increase in clicks on search terms for Stamford College.

• 36% increase in engaged sessions across all sites.

“A highly skilled workforce is essential to Baker Perkins’ ability to compete in international markets for high value machinery. Apprenticeships have proven over many years to be the most effective way of ensuring we have the skills we need. Our partnership with IEG ensures that our apprentice training program continues to go from strength to strength.” - Suzanne Dellar, Director of HR at Baker Perkins.

• 13.5% uplift in course applications during the first student recruitment cycle.

• 5.5% increase in University Centre Peterborough enrolment.

PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE FEATURED ON BBC POLITICS EAST ON NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Peterborough College was featured on Politics East on BBC One, highlighting how Apprenticeships are shaping the future for young professionals and local businesses.

A huge well done to our Apprentices Callum, Tyler, Kelis, and Jess - we’re so proud of them for representing our student voice!

Missed it? Catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: CELEBRATING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WITH INSPIRE EDUCATION GROUP

This National Apprenticeship Week, Inspire Education Group celebrated the incredible impact of Apprenticeships in shaping careers, businesses and our communities.

Many of today’s industry leaders, mentors, and educators began their journeys as Apprentices, benefitting from the guidance and investment of experienced professionals.

By combining real-world experience with expert-led training, Apprenticeships offer a unique pathway into skilled employment! Did you start your journey as an Apprentice? If so, is now a great opportunity for you to give back.

We caught up with Inspire Education Group’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager, Paul Ward to talk about how hiring an apprentice can benefit your business in more ways than one.

Read the full article here.

STAMFORD COLLEGE HOST SOUTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCIL SKILLS SUMMIT

Stamford College hosted the South Kesteven District Council Skills Summit during National Apprenticeship Week, bringing together top employers, educators, and future talent for a day of networking, career insights, and skills development. With businesses from manufacturing, logistics, energy, healthcare, and more, students had the opportunity to connect directly with employers, explore career pathways, and gain valuable industry insights.

Events like these are crucial for bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring young people have the skills and connections they need for the future.

STAMFORD COLLEGE HOST CITB EMPLOYER NETWORK SUPPORTING NET ZERO, RETROFIT, AND DIGITAL SKILLS

Stamford College hosted the first Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Employer Network (EN) established by CITB at Stamford College today. Welcoming a steering group of CITB-registered construction employers, the Employer Network aims to support employers in Leadership and Management, Net Zero, Retrofit, and Digital Skills.

Emma Hill, Group Head of Curriculum for Modern Construction said “This is an exciting step in strengthening skills and collaboration across the construction industry and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the curriculum offered at IEG in Construction, including our Green skills offer in the new Centre of Green Technology at Peterborough College.”