Author: Emma Wilde

University Centre Peterborough, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), has been confirmed as one of the first Higher Education providers in the UK to deliver under the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) initiative. A major milestone in the Government’s vision to make higher education more flexible, accessible, and responsive to employer needs.

Only Higher Education providers with Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver recognition and Office for Students (OfS) registration are part of this initial delivery group, marking University Centre’s inclusion as a significant achievement that highlights the quality of provision and outstanding student outcomes.

 

Launching from January 2027, the LLE will allow individuals to access funding for modular study, enabling those already in employment to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as business development, artificial intelligence, cyber security, counselling, research, and more.

University Centre Peterborough has already re-designed its degree provision to ensure flexibility for this new model of learning and is inviting employers to collaborate in developing modular pathways that respond directly to workforce needs.

 

Liz Knight, Academic Director at University Centre Peterborough, said:
“The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a significant development, and being in the first wave of approved HE providers is a great testament to the quality of UCP provision and our excellent student outcomes. The ability to study funded modules in specific subjects means that those in employment can upskill and improve their career progression.

It also means that mature learners or those wishing to try higher education before committing to a full degree can do so. Our proactive approach to working with employers, students, and alumni is key to making the LLE a success and ensuring our offer addresses skills gaps and prepares students for the ever-changing employment market.”

As part of Inspire Education Group, which also includes Peterborough College and Stamford College, University Centre Peterborough offers a complete learning journey for students, starting from Level 1 right through to Level 7. This unique structure enables the Group to provide cohesive training and education pathways tailored to both individual learners and employer demand across the region.

Building on the recent success of IEG’s employer and business awards across Peterborough and Stamford, this development further strengthens the Group’s commitment to driving regional skills growth and economic development through education and collaboration.

Inspire Education Group (IEG) has been awarded Large Business of the Year at the 2025 Rutland & Stamford Mercury Business Awards.

The judges recognised IEG’s growth, diversification and impact since its formation in 2020, highlighting the Group’s role as both an education leader and a major regional business. With a £65m turnover, over 1,300 staff and 12,000 learners, IEG combines its civic mission with a commercial mindset — ensuring continued investment in students, staff, and campuses while supporting employers with skills and workforce challenges.

Major milestones in the past year include progressing the £13.5m Centre for Green Technology in Peterborough, developing industry-led programmes in construction, health and digital, and winning international recognition for sustainability and social impact.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG (left), with Angie Morris, Chair of Finance & Resources Committee at IEG (right).

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, said:

“Many people don’t think of colleges as businesses, and whilst we are civic organisations, it is increasingly important to operate with a commercial mindset so that we can continue to invest in our students, staff and campuses and provide an exceptional place to learn and work.

“The growth and diversification we have seen across IEG over the last few years is a testament to the vision, hard work and commitment of governors and staff across the organisation.

“There is more for us to do as we continue to support employers with their skills and workforce challenges, as well as do our absolute best for the communities we serve. For now, thank you to all of our brilliant students, staff, governors, employers and partners.”

Inspire Education Group (IEG) is proud to have been named Training Provider of the Year at the Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

The award recognises IEG’s impact in developing apprenticeship provision that directly responds to employer demand and supports the region’s economic growth. With over 1,000 apprentices in training across more than 40 standards, IEG works with a diverse portfolio of businesses – from SMEs to national employers including Baker Perkins, Allison Homes, Anglian Water and Codem Composites – to co-design programmes that address skills gaps and create sustainable career pathways.

Apprenticeship achievement rates at IEG have risen by 10% in the past year, with 91% of apprentices retained on programme and nearly 50% achieving Distinction grades – well above national averages.

The past year has also seen IEG expand into new areas with the launch of degree-level apprenticeships, including Chartered Manager, Digital User Experience Professional, and Serious and Complex Crime Investigator.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, said:

“This award is a wonderful recognition of the strength of our apprenticeship provision and the collaborative partnerships that underpin it. Apprenticeships are a vital part of our skills ecosystem, and we are committed to working with employers to ensure local people can access high-quality opportunities that lead to great careers and help our region prosper.”

James Whybrow, Group Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, added:

“This is an amazing honour and a testament to the hard work of our entire team across the Group. We are resolutely focused on the needs of our employers, which is why our college offers over 40 different types of apprenticeship standards. Our apprenticeship assessment centres operate as a crucial recruitment service, enabling us to meet and support a large number of apprentice seekers in finding the right apprenticeship role.”

Employer Testimonials

“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 forward-thinking 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.

“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.

IEG’s Employer Engagement team works with over 1,000 organisations with the aim of developing their workforce locally, regionally and nationally.

 

A short film created by recent alumni of Buckinghamshire College Group has been officially selected for the Bournemouth International Film Festival, where it will compete in the Best UK Short Film category. 

The film, Tomorrow Never Knows, was developed as a passion project shortly after the team completed their studies on our Level 3 Film and Television course. It explores themes of identity, pressure, and the uncertainty of the future. The narrative follows a young man named Alan, who is propelled into a series of imagined futures after being asked a simple question about what lies ahead. As he navigates these visions, he is forced to confront the expectations placed upon him and the fear of the unknown. 

The film was written, directed, and edited by Alex Hogarth, with Korben Wilkinson serving as cinematographer, Finlay Jordan as sound recordist, and Felix Pridmore as script supervisor. The production was supported by runners Lara Dervish, Molly Humphrey, Michael Adams, and Bailey Burdock. 

This selection marks a significant achievement for the team and reflects the high standard of creative and technical training provided by the College’s Film & TV programme. 

The production group credits much of their development to the guidance and expertise of their tutors, Nick Evans and Attila Kiraly, both of whom are active professionals in the film and television industry, and who played a significant role in shaping their technical skills and creative confidence. 

The graduates have remained in contact with their former mentors, proudly sharing the news of their festival selection and ongoing creative work. Chris Burgess, Media Technician at Buckinghamshire College Group, commented:

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our former students achieving recognition at this level so soon after graduating. Their success with Tomorrow Never Knows reflects not only their talent and determination, but also the collaborative spirit and professionalism they developed during their time with us. It also reflects the strength of our curriculum and industry insight we strive to provide. We’re all very proud of them.” 

Alex Hogarth, writer and director, offered his own perspective on the project and his journey since leaving college:

“Tomorrow Never Knows was a valuable learning experience for all of us and a true reflection of the phase of life we’re in. It’ll be something special to look back on, and it wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible team. Alongside my collaborators, I’m also deeply grateful to the College. Nick, Chris, and Attila are outstanding tutors who champion individuality and creative risk-taking. Staying in touch with them since graduating and receiving their advice has been amazing. We already have several new projects in early pre-production that we can’t wait to share. We’re growing more ambitious, hoping to help inspire and support the next generation of filmmakers.” 

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Nick Evans, Film & TV tutor, added:

“This is very exciting! It’s also no surprise. Alex, Korben, Fin, and Felix have always been driven by that rare combination of a passion for filmmaking, sheer hard work, curiosity, and a refusal to settle for second best. Great storytelling for the screen isn’t magic; it comes from understanding that it is a meticulous craft—one that must be learned, practised, and mastered—combined with an unwavering ambition to make sense of the world. This is exactly what we aim to support our Film & TV students with here at Buckinghamshire College Group. If we can continue working with passionate, committed young people like this, we’ll be very happy.” 

Attila Kiraly, also a tutor on the course, commented on the artistic influences behind the film:

“I’m incredibly proud of our graduates. Their hard work and creativity truly shine through in this film, drawing inspiration from the French New Wave and the experimental techniques they explored while studying at Buckinghamshire College Group. From unconventional editing choices to bold visual storytelling, they’ve consistently pushed themselves artistically. It’s fantastic to see their talent and dedication recognised on such a prominent platform.” 

The Bournemouth International Film Festival is known for showcasing emerging voices in cinema and attracting entries from across the UK and beyond. The inclusion of Tomorrow Never Knows in this year’s programme highlights the growing impact of independent work produced by early-career filmmakers on the wider film industry. 

We are incredibly proud of our graduates and excited to see what comes next. Their journey is only just beginning, and with talent like this, the Oscars may well be in sight!

For More Information:  

Tomorrow Never Knows is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce_0JjMP_5U&t=2s 

To learn more about our courses, visit Buckinghamshire College Group’s website at www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk or contact our admissions team at admissions@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk  (01296 588599).  

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education institution with campuses located in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills-based education to more than 4,500 students each year. Bucks College Group offers full-time programmes for students aged 16 to 18 and delivers a comprehensive range of training opportunities for adult learners and apprenticeships.

Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus in the centre of High Wycombe which will bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites in 2027. 

Stoke on Trent College’s commitment to high-quality apprenticeship delivery has been officially recognised by leading awarding body City & Guilds, with the College receiving the prestigious ‘EPA Approved Excellence Provider’ award.

The award celebrates the outstanding standard of the College’s apprenticeship provision, acknowledging the success of its learners, the dedication of staff, and the College’s close collaboration with end-point assessment organisations to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Senior leaders at Stoke on Trent College were presented with a personalised plaque from City & Guilds, recognising the College as one of just 42 providers nationwide to receive this exclusive accolade.

An End-point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment apprentices must complete to successfully pass their programme. It is delivered by an independent organisation and is designed to ensure apprentices can demonstrate the full range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours required in their industry.

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College, said:

“We are proud to have been recognised by City & Guilds as an EPA Approved Excellence Provider. This award is a reflection of the hard work and professionalism of our apprenticeship and curriculum teams, as well as the outstanding commitment shown by our apprentices.

“Our close partnership with end-point assessment organisations ensures that apprentices receive a high-quality learning experience and develop the Skills Ready, Future Ready capabilities they need to succeed in the workplace.”

The recognition reinforces Stoke on Trent College’s position as a provider of choice for employers, and highlights its continued focus on delivering employer-led, future-ready skills that support both local and regional workforce needs.

Gower College Swansea has marked Adult Learners’ Week 2025 with a series of special events, free courses and taster sessions.

Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in Wales, with over 10,000 adults taking part each year. The campaign is coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in collaboration with Welsh Government and other partners.

The campaign aims to inspire more people to discover a passion for learning and develop skills for work and throughout life.

To mark the launch of the week, the College was delighted to welcome Welsh rugby icon and ALW ambassador Alun Wyn Jones to the Jubilee Court campus where he dropped in on a carpentry class, joining adult learners to highlight the transformative power of education at any stage of life.

While there, Alun Wyn was joined by Inspire! Learning Award winner and former College student Isaac Fabb, who has now secured employment with Swansea Council as an apprentice carpenter.

At a Skills for the Workplace launch event at Sketty Hall Business School, attendees heard from Interim Principal Paul Kift, Jane Lewis from the Regional Learning & Skills Partnership (RLSP), and the College’s Head of GCS Training, Bruce Fellowes.

There was also a panel discussion on the benefits of workforce development hosted by the College’s Business Development Consultant Stuart Davies and featuring Jonathan Morris from Tai Tarian, Lucy Hole from the Secret Hospitality Group, and Jane Lewis.

The Skills for the Workplace project, which offers training in advanced and smart manufacturing, digital and ICT, energy and renewables, construction, and health and care is part funded by the Skills and Talent Programme through the Regional Learning & Skills Partnership and Swansea Bay City Deal.

Almost 200 people registered for the College’s adult learners’ open evening at the Tycoch Campus, which covered a range of courses from part time provision to Access and higher education options. Subjects on offer included maths, English and science GCSEs, hair and beauty, engineering, and catering. Visitors were able to speak to lecturers and gain advice from the College’s partner organisations such as Swansea Council and Careers Wales.

Free tasters took place across the Swansea area, with learners able to sign up for creative skills sessions including patchwork, sashiko embroidery, and knitting. Help was also on hand for those needing assistance with filling out forms, online safety and budgeting

These courses, which took place out and about in the community, were a great way for adult learners to boost their confidence and wellbeing, discover a new passion, or simply connect with like-minded individuals.

Online webinars were also available in advice and guidance, community development and project management qualifications.

Gower College Swansea offers courses for adults throughout the year. Through its Skills for Swansea programme, courses are available for individuals aged 19 and above who are looking to retrain and upskill in a variety of industry sectors such as digital, health and safety, customer service and facilities management.

Motor vehicle learners from Stoke on Trent College are set to benefit from the donation of a seized nuisance bike from Staffordshire Police.

The bike will be used as an educational tool that learners will be able to examine and use within practical teaching sessions from Level 1 up to Level 3 qualifications.

The donation continues an exciting collaboration between the College, Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“The opportunity to gain hands-on experience using this bike and other vehicles is vital to the development of practical skills, which ensures our motor vehicle learners are skills ready, future ready.

“I’d like to thank partners at Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council for their generous donation of the bike.

“The College’s Motor Vehicle courses continue to be extremely popular and we are proud to lead on the local and regional offer in line with the Local Skills Improvement Plan.”

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police continue to collaborate on Operation Transom, a campaign focused on helping to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Staffordshire’s roads.

The work aims to target those who are damaging public green spaces and putting the public at risk through the illegal use of off-road motorbikes.

As part of the ongoing commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), increased patrols continue to take place in hotspot areas and the seizing of bikes used to commit ASB.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this nuisance bike now being put to good use – supporting students in the city instead of causing problems in our communities.

 “Nuisance bikes bring real misery to residents and this behaviour is simply unacceptable. Working with Staffordshire Police, we’ve put robust measures in place so vehicles being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance can be seized.

 “Our anti-social behaviour team will keep gathering evidence and the police have assured us they will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to cause disruption.”

Inspector Chris Moss, from Staffordshire Police’s Road Crime team, said: “I’m pleased that this motorbike is being put back into the community for positive use and I hope it proves valuable for young people’s education.

“Those that choose to use an illegal vehicle or drive dangerously put other road users and pedestrians at risk. We’ll take action against them as we carry on working proactively to tackle this.”

To report a nuisance bike call Staffordshire Police on 101 or visit their website here – https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 7000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Gower College Swansea has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Wales STEM Awards 2025.

The Wales STEM Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) agenda in Wales.

The College is in the running for two awards – the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) and STEM Woman of the Year.

For STEM Educational Programme of the Year, the College has been recognised for its Education and Beyond initiative which addresses STEM and construction sector skills needs whilst tackling regional socio-economic barriers such as deprivation, poor school attendance and low aspirations.

Entirely funded by the College, Education and Beyond focuses on creating high-level talent pipelines through inclusive, employer-led education and outreach. Since launch, the College has engaged over 150 employers, more than 50 staff across four directorates, and multiple awarding bodies to co-create six new sector pathways. Over 160 learners have already accessed new placements, with 74 additional enrolments on new part-time construction courses during the academic year of 2023/24.

Apprenticeship uptake in construction has grown by 28% while full-time and part-time construction enrolments rose by 15% overall. The initiative particularly supports underrepresented groups such as women, school pupils, economically inactive adults and career changers. Equality, diversity and inclusion has been central to the initiative, with outreach across community centres, schools and job fairs.

For the STEM Woman of the Year category, Hannah Pearce has been shortlisted in recognition of her unwavering dedication to transforming the construction industry.

As Learning Area Manager for Built Environment, Hannah has redefined how education and industry collaborate to drive inclusive, future-ready practices. Her impact spans from site to classroom, demonstrating resilience, innovation and influence at every step.

A trailblazing civil engineer and STEM ambassador, Hannah has broken barriers for women in construction ever since her early career with Laing O’Rourke. Collaborating as part of a team in sustainable, technologically advanced builds – such as the Oxford Brookes Abercrombie project – set a new standard for experiential education.

Even after a turning milestone, Hannah transformed adversity into opportunity to launch Big Bang UK, which inspires the next generation through engaging STEM programs for primary pupils.

A multi award-winning advocate for women in STEM, under Hannah’s leadership, Gower College Swansea has seen an incredible 616% increase in female enrolment in Built Environment courses. Hannah also leads a thriving Girls in STEM group and serves as an executive board member of Swansea Bay Construction Support Group.

“Gower College Swansea is committed to advancing the STEM sector in Wales through a bold, inclusive, collaborative approach that aligns education, industry, and community,” says Interim Principal, Paul Kift. “At the heart of our strategy is a determination to break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring that STEM is accessible, inspiring and relevant to all, regardless of background, gender or age.

“We do this by developing innovative programmes that directly address regional skills needs while tackling socio-economic barriers. Our employer-led model ensures our curriculum reflects real-world needs and technologies, which helps us prepare learners not just for jobs, but for lifelong careers in future-focused sectors.

“We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the Wales STEM Awards. Huge congratulations to Hannah and my colleagues who thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

The Wales STEM Awards will take place on 16 October 2025 in Cardiff.

A Walsall employment initiative that combines football with job search support has received a special commendation for its outstanding impact.

Back on your Feet delivered by Walsall FC Foundation, Walsall College and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), was highly commended at the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards.

Judges praised the programme for helping individuals aged over 50 address barriers to employment, with many retraining for new careers.

Held at Walsall Football Club, the 12-week training programme encourages participants to raise their fitness and confidence levels while exploring training and education opportunities that can lead to employment.  Meeting others in similar situations also paves the way for mutual support and friendship opportunities.

Adam Davy, Director at Walsall FC Foundation, said: “We are delighted to win the highly commended award as it shows how powerful the partnership is between the Club and the College.

“This project has been developed, and shaped, over the last two and a half years to ensure we get maximum outcomes for the participants.  The primary outcome is that we get people back into employment and training.

“Our success on this is almost 50% of all participants, which is well above national statistics. Extra outcomes have included increased health and wellbeing, raising confidence and friendships.

“The project has become a jewel in the crown for the Foundation and we are so pleased that our recent application to the Sky Bet Building Foundations Fund has been approved and we can extend the project for another three years.  All staff do a wonderful job delivering the sessions and we can’t wait to continue the programme and the partnership with Walsall College.”

James Norris, Assistant Principal for Adults and Work based Learning at Walsall College added: “The Back on Your Feet programme plays an important role in addressing some of the challenges faced by local jobseekers, whether that’s limited access to training, lack of confidence, or simply needing a supportive environment to take the first step.

“It helps show participants that employers are able to recognise their existing life skills, experience and future potential, and that with the right support, they can move forward, both in work and in life.

“This award recognition encourages us to continue working with key partners to develop this provision for others in our community and build on its impact.”

The Adult Learning Awards showcase the remarkable achievements of adult learners, as well as the collaborative efforts of employers and training providers working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Stoke on Trent College has announced the start of construction on a £2.3 million Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) Hub at its Burslem campus. Funded through government Levelling Up money, distributed to the College by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the new facility will support both construction and engineering education, offering dedicated teaching spaces for learners from Level 2 up until Level 5. It will also serve as an incubation hub for employer partners working in green and digital technologies.

Set to open in Spring 2026, the AGT Hub will provide hands-on training in areas such as retrofitting, ground and air source heat pumps, solar energy systems, and emerging digital solutions including drone technology and robotics. The initiative aims to boost advanced manufacturing and engineering employment across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire by training young people, adults, and apprentices, creating a pipeline of skilled local talent.

Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College, Hassan Rizvi, stated, “Stoke on Trent College is the leading technical and vocational further education provider for Staffordshire, and facilities like the Advanced Green Technologies Hub will further strengthen our ability to deliver the best career pathways for our learners. Through Level 2 up to Level 5 qualifications, including T Levels, focused on green technologies, we can provide a route to higher-level apprenticeships in areas such as surveying, digital modelling, and advanced manufacturing.”

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “This facility provides vital training opportunities in key sectors that will shape our future workforce. Funded through government support allocated by the city council, the AGT Hub will deliver cutting-edge education in green and digital technologies. This Advanced Green Technologies Hub, funded through Government money allocated through the city council, does just that – providing the very latest learning opportunities in green and digital technologies.”

Construction is now underway, with the Hub set to become a cornerstone of sustainable skills development in the region.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 7000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk