IEG Champion Employer Collaboration to Tackle Construction Skills Shortages at Chamber Networking Event

Inspire Education Group (IEG) has highlighted the importance of collaboration between education and industry in addressing construction skills shortages, welcoming regional construction and property professionals to Peterborough College's Centre for Green Technology for a networking breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Held on Wednesday 14 October 2026, the Construction and Property Networking Breakfast brought together professionals from across the sector, including developers, contractors, consultants and suppliers, to explore how closer partnerships can strengthen the local construction workforce.

From left to right: Gary McPartland, Emma Hill, Ella Shuttleworth, Nick Frank, Darcey Banks, James Whybrow

Following an introduction from Nick Frank, LSIP Project Manager at Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, the event provided an opportunity for IEG to showcase its Recruit. Train. Grow. approach, which supports employers to attract new talent, develop workforce skills and create sustainable opportunities for growth.

James Whybrow, Vice Principal of Apprenticeships and Higher Education at IEG, introduced the approach, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships, work-based learning and employer partnerships in addressing current and future workforce challenges.

He was joined by Ella Shuttleworth, Sustainability Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, who shared a practical example of the approach in action through the Construction Internship Preparation Programme (CIPP).

Delivered in partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Morgan Sindall Construction, the programme was designed to support women into careers in construction through practical skills development, employer engagement and paid work placements.

The event then concluded with a Q&A with Emma Hill, Group Head of Curriculum - Modern Construction, and Gary McPartland, Assistant Principal - Curriculum (Study Programmes / T Levels), on how education providers, employers and local government can work together to widen participation in the construction sector while developing the skilled workforce needed to support regional growth.

The breakfast was hosted at Peterborough College's Centre for Green Technology, a specialist facility supporting the development of technical skills in areas including sustainable construction, engineering and emerging technologies.

The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to strengthen professional relationships and explore how further collaboration with IEG could support their recruitment and workforce development priorities.

Through its partnerships with more than 1,000 organisations, IEG continues to work with employers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Lincolnshire to align education and training with industry needs.

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