Secretary of State Liz Kendall Visits Peterborough College and University Centre Peterborough
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Peterborough College, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), was proud to host Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, for a visit focused on the announcement of the government’s 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, a £240 million package aimed to accelerate their manifesto commitment and “Back to Work” plan.
As part of IEG, Peterborough College plays a critical role in delivering high-quality education and skills training, aligning with national priorities. With over 612,000 16–18-year-olds educated annually across the sector, and an additional 49,000 in apprenticeships, colleges like Peterborough College act as anchor institutions in their communities. IEG is leading the way by re-engaging young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and providing tailored pathways into employment, apprenticeships and further education.
During the visit, the Secretary of State engaged in discussions with IEG students and apprentices, learning about their ambitions and challenges, while local employers demonstrated how their collaboration with Peterborough College is addressing skills shortages and supporting the local economy. The visit also included a Jobs Fair at University Centre Peterborough (UCP), highlighted how IEG is addressing skills gaps and creating opportunities for young people and the local community.
Secretary of State Liz Kendall (third left) with apprentice Megan Kistruck, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes (left) and Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG.
Speaking to Peterborough Telegraph, the Secretary of State said, “Peterborough is a hotspot for youth unemployment with 1,350 young people claiming Universal Credit, most of those will be unemployed and we want to make sure we tackle that and give those young people the skills they need to get well-paid jobs of the future. The College is working hard here… and we want to make sure there is more local control because we think local people know best about what people in Peterborough need. I’ve come to Peterborough to see the fantastic work the College does on apprenticeships. It is giving young people a real start in life with proper skills and proper job prospects for the future and we want to see much more of this.”
Peterborough College is at the forefront of addressing the challenges identified in the Youth Guarantee, including the need for high-quality education and skills programmes for NEET young people. Through pioneering initiatives like the Centre for Green Technology (CGT), IEG is equipping students with future-ready skills in green industries, aligning with the UK’s 2050 net-zero ambitions.
The Centre for Green Technology is set to open in early 2025.
Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG, added: "It is fantastic to see a renewed focus by the government on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). These young people often take longer to achieve in education and yet the system makes it harder for them. Over half of 18-21 year olds are in Higher Education and benefit from maintenance grants and loans to support them with their studies and living costs, but young people not in education, employment or training also need support so they can access opportunities and training to get the great job they deserve.”
“With increased funding, collaborative working and a greater focus from government this will enable colleges to increase capacity and at Inspire Education Group we are committed to ensure we can have an even greater impact on the communities we serve.”
IEG has gained national recognition for its transformative work in education, regularly featuring in national news outlets, such as the BBC and ITV, and attracting high-profile ministerial visits. These accolades demonstrate how IEG is setting the standard for education and skills training, cementing its position as a leader in the sector.
Having University Centre Peterborough (UCP) as part of Inspire Education Group (IEG) provides a seamless pathway for students to progress from further education into higher education within the same supportive environment. This integrated offering allows learners to continue their academic journey with familiarity and confidence, accessing degree-level qualifications tailored to industry demands. By equipping students with advanced skills and knowledge, UCP plays a pivotal role in improving employment prospects and enabling learners to secure meaningful and sustainable careers in their chosen fields. This pathway demonstrates IEG’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning and meeting the needs of both students and employers.
The visit from Secretary of State Liz Kendall also highlighted the importance of targeted funding and simplified pathways to ensure young people can achieve qualifications vital to their future. IEG is committed to leading this charge, ensuring young adults across Peterborough and Stamford have access to life-changing opportunities while supporting the local and national economy with a skilled, adaptable workforce.
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