Launch of Centre for Green Technology Showcases Inspire Education Group’s Mission to Create Campuses of the Future

Inspire Education Group (IEG) has officially unveiled its £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology (CGT) at Peterborough College — a landmark facility designed not only to address the UK’s green skills shortage, but to serve as a bold example of how education can directly power economic growth, workforce readiness, and environmental responsibility.

More than the opening of a building, the launch of the CGT marks a major step forward in delivering on IEG’s 2024–2030 strategy Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional, which prioritises innovation, inclusion and sustainability across every area of its curriculum and campus culture. With green jobs projected to reach over 440,000 by 2030 and employer demand for green skills having grown by 46% in the last year alone, the CGT has been designed to ensure learners, employers and the wider community can adapt to the demands of a low-carbon future.

The centre houses industry-standard facilities that support training in electric vehicle infrastructure, solar PV systems, air source heat pumps, retrofit, and sustainable construction practices. These are complemented by immersive technologies including a Virtalis virtual reality wall, which enables simulated work-based learning across a range of curriculum areas. Designed in close consultation with industry, the Centre supports full-time students, apprentices, and adult learners — offering everything from entry-level trade qualifications to Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and CPD for professionals. Learners benefit from hands-on experience with equipment provided by trusted industry partners including Rolec EV, Worcester Bosch and Quantum.

“The Centre for Green Technology represents far more than the launch of a new facility – it’s a bold statement of intent. It shows what’s possible when ambition meets investment, and when education leads from the front. This centre is a key milestone in delivering on our 2024–2030 strategy and reflects our commitment to creating campuses of the future, where learners gain the skills they need, employers find the talent they’re looking for and communities benefit from inclusive, sustainable growth.” – Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Education Group.

“I warmly welcome the launch of the Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College. This £13.5 million, net-zero-ready facility is a crucial step towards tackling the green skills shortage and supporting sustainable economic growth in our region. Peterborough has a real opportunity to be at the heart of the Green revolution, and investments like this ensure that local people are the ones who benefit from the new jobs and opportunities coming our way. By bringing together education providers, employers, and industry, we can create valuable apprenticeships and training pathways that open doors to rewarding, sustainable careers, building a prosperous and environmentally responsible future for Peterborough and beyond.” – Andrew Pakes, Local MP for Peterborough.

“The Centre for Green Technology is a shining example of how public partnership working, investment and industry can come together to drive real change. This facility not only equips our residents with the skills needed for the green jobs of the future but also strengthens Peterborough’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation. We’re proud to support a project that delivers opportunity, growth, and environmental responsibility in equal measure.” – Councillor Nick Thulbourn, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration at Peterborough City Council.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “It’s so important for Peterborough that we give our young people the chance to do well in life. And I know how tough it can be, at any age, if you don’t have the right training for the new jobs on offer.

“Few people are aware that the Combined Authority has a big role on skills. It’s put nearly £3 million into getting these impressive facilities open.

“I want our skills funding to mean two things: getting a job and getting a better job. Given its close links with employers, the Centre should be a real boost for Peterborough and the region.”

The Centre has already drawn attention from government and policymakers. In the past year, Andrew Pakes MP, Chi Onwurah MP and Peter Kyle MP have all acknowledged IEG’s leadership in delivering education that meets national priorities. In November 2024, Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, launched the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper from IEG’s Peterborough campus, praising the Group’s contribution to economic renewal and sustainable skills development.

The £13.5 million project is partly funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), with £2.471 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund, and the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (£1.42 million). IEG’s contribution to the project was £8.3M, with £5.5M from the DFE capital loan scheme and £2.8M from IEG’s capital reserves.

As students, employers and partners begin to collaborate within the new space, the Centre for Green Technology stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when education, industry and public investment align. It reaffirms IEG’s position as an anchor institution — one working at the heart of its community to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the transition to a greener, stronger, more inclusive economy.