Inspire Education Group (IEG) is proud to support Youth Employment Week 2026, joining organisations across the UK in celebrating the partnerships, opportunities and achievements that help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in education, employment and training.
Running from 6–10 July, Youth Employment Week shines a spotlight on the importance of preparing young people for the world of work through collaboration between educators, employers, communities and government.
For Inspire Education Group, supporting youth employment is embedded throughout the organisation's mission to transform lives through inspirational education and training.
Across Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough, students benefit from industry-led teaching, employer partnerships, apprenticeships, T Levels, work placements and higher education opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.
The Group also works proactively with schools across the region through careers events, classroom sessions, and Open Events, helping thousands of young people make informed decisions about their next steps.
Investment in specialist learning environments, such as the Modern Methods of Construction Centre in Stamford and Centre for Green Technology in Peterborough, ensures learners develop the technical skills employers need while gaining practical experience in industry-standard facilities.
Beyond the classroom, Inspire Education Group continues to play a leading role in tackling barriers to employment through regional collaboration.
From left to right: Rachel Nicholls, Alex Hughes, Sir Stephen Timms, Andrew Pakes. (Photo: Peter Oliver)
Earlier this year, the Group hosted a regional NEET Roundtable in Peterborough, bringing together representatives from government, employers, education providers, charities and community organisations to explore new ways of supporting young people into education, employment and training.
That collaborative approach has also led to the launch of The BRDG, a dedicated youth hub providing tailored support for young people aged 16–24 who require additional guidance to access education, employment or training opportunities.
Speaking after cutting the ribbon at The BRDG, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions, said:
“I was very pleased to join the Inspire Education Group and others to discuss how government can work with local organisations to strengthen support for young people in Peterborough; and to open The BRDG, which will provide vital support, guidance, and opportunities. It is a key mission of this government to assure young people a clear pathway into work, so they have the chance to succeed, and employers are able to benefit from their talent.
“That’s why we are bringing forward a £2.5 billion youth employment support package to help almost one million young people either earn or learn, as well as expanding our Youth Hubs to every local area in Great Britain.”
The week concludes by celebrating student achievement - a reflection of the commitment shown by learners, staff, employers and partners alike. Inspire Education Group's annual Student Awards recognise not only academic excellence but also demonstrate the collective impact of education and industry working together.
Rachel Nicholls addresses attendees after cutting the ribbon at The BRDG. (Photo: Peter Oliver)
Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer at Inspire Education Group, said:
“Youth Employment Week gives us the chance to reflect on our recent work with Andrew Pakes to host a Peterborough-focused NEET Roundtable, building on partnerships that bring together representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities, employers, education providers, charities and community organisations to discuss how we can better support young people into education, employment and training.
"At Inspire Education Group, we are committed to ensuring every learner has access to the skills, experiences and opportunities they need to build successful futures. None of this is possible without the continued support of our employers, schools, community partners and stakeholders who work alongside us to create meaningful pathways into education and employment."
Throughout the week, Inspire Education Group will support by sharing stories on social media channels that demonstrate how collaboration, innovation and partnership are helping to create brighter futures for young people across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and the surrounding region.
Click here to find out more about how you can engage with us.
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