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

Cambridgeshire’s mayor Dr Nik Johnson has paid a fact-finding visit to the purpose-built, cutting-edge North Cambridgeshire Training Centre in Chatteris.

The visit by Mayor Dr Johnson was to see how the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s investment is supporting improved skills opportunities in the area.

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 the Princess Royal in 2023. It is run by the 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 also based in Chatteris, the Combined Authority provided funding to build the new centre off the A141.

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 meet needs 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 tailored to the needs of apprentices and learners.

Mayor Dr 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."

Mr Kingsley 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.”

Mr Stittle added: “We were delighted to welcome the mayor and some of our stakeholders along to the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre for the unveiling 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.”