MARCH NEWSLETTER
MINISTER FOR TRANSFORMATION AND LOCAL MP VISIT PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE’S JOBSMART PROVISION TO STRENGTHEN EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS
Andrew Western, Minister for Transformation, and Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, visited Peterborough College’s JobSmart facility to see how skillsled training opens doors to employment and helps local people gain the qualifications they need for sustainable careers.
The Minister for Transformation also had the opportunity to hear from Max, who is enrolled in the HGV course, and Mohammed, who is pursuing ESOL and Functional Skills Maths. Their stories show the impact JobSmart is having on the local community, helping them gain the skills needed for in-demand sectors.
MP VISITS PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE TO SEE FUTURE NHS WORKFORCE IN ACTION
As part of Colleges Week 2025, Peterborough College welcomed Andrew Pakes MP to its Health and Social Care department to see first-hand how Further Education is supporting the NHS and social care sector.
During the visit, Andrew met students and staff in the College’s state-of-the-art hospital training room, where learners develop practical, hands-on skills to prepare them for careers in healthcare. With the NHS workforce remaining a national priority, the College’s curriculum ensures students leave education with the skills and experience needed to fill critical roles in the sector.
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said, “It was fantastic to visit Peterborough College and see the next generation of NHS and social care professionals in action. The students’ passion and dedication really stood out, and it’s clear the hands-on training they’re getting will set them up for success.
Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western, said: “Peterborough College is at the heart of its community, and JobSmart is a great example of ensuring local people have the skills they need to succeed in life. For too long, too many young people have been out of education, employment, or training – and the College is key to addressing this challenge.”
Read the full article here.
With our health and care services under real pressure, we need to back Further Education and Apprenticeships to make sure young people have the skills they need—and that our communities have the workforce they rely on. Colleges like this are at the heart of that effort, and I’ll keep making the case for more support and investment.”
Read the full article here.
PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE’S £13.5M CENTRE FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGY READY FOR STUDENTS
Peterborough College’s momentous Centre for Green Technology, a cuttingedge facility to transform education and training in sustainability and green skills is preparing to welcome its first students. Clegg Construction, the College’s partner on the project, formally handed over the newly completed building to Ed Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Inspire Education Group (IEG), marking a significant step forward in this ambitious initiative.
Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Inspire Education Group, said, “Our Centre for Green Technology demonstrates a significant stride in Inspire Education Group’s commitment to local economic growth and sustainability. This exciting £13.5 million project will equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in modern construction methods, emerging technologies, alternative heat sources, and electric vehicle technology, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the everevolving construction landscape.”
The project was partly funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), with £2.471 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, and £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund.
Read the full article here.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AT INSPIRE EDUCATION GROUP
This year, Inspire Education Group (IEG) are proud to amplify the conversation by recognising the unique strengths that women can bring to leadership, the pride they feel in being part of Inspire Education Group and the steps we can take to further break down gender barriers in education and beyond.
While significant progress has been made, IEG remains committed to creating an equitable environment where all individuals can thrive. Rachel Nicholls, Group Chief Executive Officer, stresses the importance of creating inclusive workplaces:
“We need to create flexible work environments that support work-life balance – this is important for everyone, but particularly women. We need to support and enable women to progress
THE INSPIRING SUSTAINABILITY GROUP GET INVOLVED IN COLLEGES’ NATIONAL GREEN WEEK BY PLANTING 210 TREES
The Inspiring Sustainability Group celebrates Colleges’ National Green Week at the Peterborough College campus by planting 210 trees and hedgerow saplings.
Speaking to Head Groundskeeper Paul Smith, “All of us should care about our environment, not just for our future, but for our present as well. Everything around us, from the ecosystems within the grass to the trees that have stood for decades, provides life to both us and the wildlife around us. The trees we’ve chosen have been selected specifically to support and benefit local wildlife.”
Find out more about our Inspiring Sustainability group by checking out the dedicated webpage.
through mentorship and coaching (informal and formal). We also need to challenge stereotypes and bias in all forms and continue to look at ways to educate around all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion.”
Read the full article here.
AIR AND DEFENCE STUDENTS
EXPERIENCE FLIGHT AT RAF WITTERING
Air and Defence students at Inspire Education Group experienced the flight of a lifetime this week at RAF Wittering, following their achievement of winning the ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ Award. The prestigious award, sponsored by the Royal Air Force, was presented to the students at the Air and Defence College (ADC) 20232024 Graduation last June.
Philip Michelson, Level 2 IT and Air and Defence student at Stamford College and Aaron Atkinson, Level 3 Engineering and Air and Defence student at Peterborough College were given an exclusive opportunity to fly with RAF personnel, gaining firsthand experience of aviation operations and furthering their understanding of the skills required in the industry.
Read the full article here.
STAMFORD COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY
STUDENT
WINS ILFORD INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Elita Earl, Level 3 Photography and Video student of Stamford College has been awarded the ILFORD Photo International Student Photographer of the Year 2024/25 as well as fellow student, Willow Gill advancing onto the final round of judging with her submission, ‘Women in Sport’.
Elita’s winning entry was a self portrait inspired by famous photographer Nan Goldin including the development of flash photography using a film camera. She was thrilled to hear about her success saying, “I haven’t processed winning the award yet! I’m so proud and the effort I put in has really paid off.” She added, “it’s nice to be recognised for a piece of work I enjoyed creating.”
Read the full article here.
Peterborough College
www.peterborough.ac.uk
0345 872 8722
Stamford College
www.stamford.ac.uk
01780 484300
University Centre Peterborough
www.ucp.ac.uk
01733 214466
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