Senior education leaders from Dallas College, Texas, are visiting Inspire Education Group (IEG) as part of an international exchange programme focused on technical education, workforce development and the skills needed to support a low-carbon economy.
On Tuesday 16 June, the delegation joined education leaders, employers and industry representatives at IEG's University Centre Peterborough for a Manufacturing Growth & Talent Pipeline Forum, delivered in partnership with The One Group. The event explored the evolving skills needs of the manufacturing sector and the role colleges can play in developing the workforce required to support future growth.
The visit forms part of the US–UK Community College and Technical Education Exchange Programme, delivered through a partnership between the UK's Association of Colleges (AoC) and the American Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Through the programme, Inspire Education Group is working alongside Dallas College, one of the largest colleges in the United States, serving more than 70,000 students annually, to exchange knowledge and best practices in technical education and workforce development.
During their visit, delegates toured Peterborough College's Centre for Green Technology, where they experienced demonstrations of solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage technologies, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and low-carbon heating systems. They will also meet curriculum leaders, employer partners and students to explore how technical education can support economic growth, sustainability and social mobility.
Later in the week, the delegation will visit local employer Gen Phoenix to learn about circular economy principles and sustainable manufacturing, meet Inspire Education Group's digital innovation team to explore how technology is transforming teaching and learning, and take part in discussions around green skills, hybrid and electric vehicle technologies and the future workforce requirements of emerging industries.
The programme will conclude with visits to Future Biogas and Stamford College's Modern Methods of Construction Centre, providing opportunities to explore sustainable energy production, modern construction methods, and innovative approaches to addressing skills shortages across the construction and engineering sectors.
Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, commented:
"Whilst this is an international partnership, the benefits will be felt locally, ensuring that the skills being developed within our classrooms continue to remain industry-responsive and meet the needs of our employers, communities and emerging sectors. At a time when governments across the world are focused on achieving net-zero ambitions, addressing workforce shortages and increasing productivity, it is encouraging to see the expertise being developed in Peterborough and Stamford contributing to wider international conversations about the future of education and skills."
© 2026 — Inspire Education Group
Website by i3MEDIA
