Mayor tours Combined Authority-funded training centre to explore role in supporting better skills in heart of Fenland

Mayor tours Combined Authority-funded training centre to explore role in supporting better skills in heart of Fenland

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson toured the purpose-built, cutting-edge North Cambridgeshire Training Centre in Chatteris to see how Combined Authority investment was supporting improved skills opportunities.

The Combined Authority provided Local Growth Fund grant funding of £3.16 million for the training centre, which was built in 2022 and officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in 2023. It is run by Eastern Education Group.

Mayor Dr Johnson was joined by Al Kingsley, Chair of the Combined Authority Business Board and met members of Eastern Education Group including Phil Stittle, Executive Director of Business Development. During the tour a plaque was unveiled marking the Combined Authority’s investment in the centre.

Since opening the centre has been supporting apprenticeship training in the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector as well as in science, childcare and business management. It also offers other skills opportunities including functional skills training, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and welding.

The centre has:

• Given skills and training to about 650 people since November 2022.
• Held open days and careers fairs to support the local community and employers
• Delivered courses through the national Multiply project, managed by the Combined Authority, to support the local area to improve their confidence in numbers.
• Held ‘Skills Escalator Days’ for 136 local primary school children to inspire them in their future careers.
• Supported Cambridge Science Centre in its recent STEM in the Fens project, supporting young and old to be inspired by science, technology, engineering and maths.

The Combined Authority is helping to bring new skills training and opportunity across the region, focussing on areas with levels of skills below national averages, such as in Fenland. Working with Metalcraft, the renowned advanced manufacturers, the Combined Authority provided funding to build the new centre off the A141 in Chatteris. Sited next to Metalcraft, the centre is bringing new training opportunities to the heart of the Fenland district, reducing the need for long commutes for local people wanting to develop their skills.

The centre also works closely with local employers ensuring that the skills and range of courses on offer meets need in the local economy. These include Metalcraft, Aerotron and leading fresh produce company G’s.  The Combined Authority’s Skills Strategy aims to create a world class skills system for the region, where training providers and the education sector, employers and learners are brought closer together.

During the tour the Mayor was shown some of the facilities, equipment and training spaces which are tailored to the needs of apprentices and learners.

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “The work being done here is a perfect example of how the Combined Authority is delivering on its commitment to improve skills and employment opportunities, especially in areas like Fenland, where there is real potential for growth. By working closely with local employers, Eastern Education Group is ensuring that the training provided directly meets the needs of the local economy, creating pathways for apprentices and other learners into good jobs and long-term careers.”

Al Kingsley, Chair of the Combined Authority Business Board, said: “This centre is a vital asset for the local economy, providing businesses with a skilled workforce while creating life-changing opportunities for individuals. By aligning training with the needs of local employers, we’re not only addressing current skills gaps but also ensuring long-term economic growth and prosperity for the region.”

Phil Stittle from Eastern Education Group said: “We were delighted to welcome the mayor and some of our stakeholders along to the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre for the unveil of a plaque, recognising the tremendous support we have received from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority since opening around two years ago.

“It was great to be able to show the mayor (and others) around our fantastic facilities, explain some of the work we have been able to do in terms of supporting the residents of Chatteris and surrounding areas and discuss our exciting plans for the future.”

For more information on the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre, visit: https://www.wsc.ac.uk/north-cambridgeshire-training-centre