Internship Programme Supports Women into Construction Placements, Delivered with Morgan Sindall, IEG and CPCA

Inspire Education Group (IEG) is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the Construction Internship Preparation Programme (CIPP), delivered in partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Morgan Sindall Construction, supporting women in Peterborough into careers within the built environment sector.

Delivered at IEG’s Centre for Green Technology (CGT) at Peterborough College, the intensive eight-day programme has provided participants with a practical, industry-led introduction to construction, combining hands-on skills development with employability support and real-world experience.

Over the past two weeks, a group of women from diverse backgrounds have taken part in the programme, many of whom had not previously considered construction as a career, or had faced barriers to entering the industry. Through a combination of technical training, site experience and employer engagement, participants have built both the skills and confidence needed to take their next steps.

Developed in close collaboration with employers and the Youth Guarantee Employer Board, the programme has been carefully designed to reflect the needs of the regional construction sector. Participants have taken part in practical sessions including plumbing, bricklaying and carpentry, alongside workshops in sustainability, digital innovation, CV writing and interview preparation. A visit to Morgan Sindall’s £14m Great Haddon Primary School site provided valuable insight into live construction environments.

A key milestone in the programme saw participants take part in employer-led interviews with Morgan Sindall and its supply chain partners, allowing them to showcase their skills, discuss their ambitions, and secure paid 12-week work placements within the industry.

These outcomes reflect the real impact of the programme, with participants progressing into a range of placements aligned to their interests and strengths. One participant will be joining TClarke in Peterborough, gaining experience across quantity surveying, estimating and project management. Another will be working with Morgan Sindall on the Great Haddon Primary School site, while a third will take up a hands-on role with SCL Interiors. Further progression includes a placement with Rolton, where a participant with a strong interest in sustainability will work with the Energy team.

Reflecting on the programme, Jamie Shearman, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said:

“Over the last two weeks, a group of people who might never have seen a place for themselves in construction have been given the time, support and belief to try. This feels like a starting point, not a finish line, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.”

The programme represents a strong collaboration between CPCA, IEG and industry partners, addressing both skills shortages and the underrepresentation of women in construction. By aligning training directly with employer demand and providing a clear route into paid work, it is helping to create more inclusive and accessible pathways into the sector.

As participants now progress into their work placements, Inspire Education Group will continue to support them alongside employer partners, ensuring they are able to build on their experience and move towards sustained employment.

This programme demonstrates the impact of partnership-led approaches to skills development, supporting individuals into meaningful careers while strengthening the workforce pipeline that underpins Peterborough’s growth economy.