The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy (PJEA) at Leicester College has won the Skills and Employability Award at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2016.

L – R: Julie Newitt (Course Team Leader, PJEA) , Jill Benson (PAM, Business), Jordan Singh (PJEA alumni), Rupinder Drew (Business Enterprise Academy Manager), Romail Gulzar, CEO Pukaar News, Sandeep Chahal (Learning Coach), Jennie Porter (Programme Lead, Travel and Tourism)

The PJEA was founded by Peter Jones CBE with a view to encourage more entrepreneurial activity in the UK, aiming to equip future generations of entrepreneurs with the skills and know-how to run their own businesses.

Rupinder Drew, Business Enterprise Academy Manager said:

“We work really hard to get the best opportunities for our learners, including organising trips, hosting guest speakers from successful business backgrounds, and setting tasks which really provide them with the skills needed to secure employment or start their own business. It is an absolute honour to be recognised for this effort and it is a testament to everyone who works so hard to provide important opportunities for our learners.”

Local employers and past learners provided testimonials which supported the award given to the Academy.

Peter Squires, Managing Director of VIP Leisure Travel said:

“We’re absolutely delighted for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and all the other members of Leicester College who’ve worked so hard to win this award. It’s great that the huge amount of effort and commitment that has gone into supporting their students, giving them so many opportunities as they move into the next chapters of their lives, has been recognised and rewarded.”