Laraine Moody, Executive Group Principal of Eastern Education Group’s University & Professional Development Centre (UPDC), is being recognised as part of 130 professionals whose achievements, innovation, influence, and leadership are helping to shape the future of UK manufacturing.
The Make UK 130 Honours recognises 130 individuals making an outstanding contribution to the future of UK manufacturing, spanning a diverse range of sectors, regions, and roles.
Throughout her career, Laraine has been at the forefront of developments within manufacturing at Eastern Education Group, including her work with the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC).
Opened by the Princess Royal in 2023 as an apprenticeship training facility, NCTC quickly became a vital hub for adults looking to upskill, retrain, or take their first steps into employment. The Centre recently celebrated its 500th apprentice with the support of Mayor Paul Bristow.
Laraine said: “In partnership with Stainless Metalcraft, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, and many other valuable stakeholders, North Cambridgeshire Training Centre continues to go from strength to strength. We’ve been able to develop new qualifications with the support from industry and employers like Make UK.”
Laraine was instrumental in the opening of the Gene Haas Foundation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing at the University and Professional Development Centre, in collaboration with Haas Automation and support from West Suffolk Council. The Centre trains students and apprentices at all levels, while supporting adults retraining and employers looking to grow their local workforce.
It is only the third UK centre of its kind and the first and only one that is housed in the East of England. They work in collaboration with the other two centres in Gloucester and Nottingham.
Laraine said: “The cutting-edge machining and engineering equipment at the Gene Haas Foundation Centre gives students hands-on experience with the technologies shaping modern production and precision engineering. Working with the internationally recognised expertise and support of Haas and the network of colleges and providers in the UK gives our students and staff access to unparalleled CPD and the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment.”
On the future of manufacturing and engineering, Laraine said: “What excites me most is the pace of innovation and the opportunity to equip people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Emerging technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital engineering and sustainable manufacturing are transforming how businesses operate and creating exciting new career opportunities. As highlighted by Make UK, the long-term competitiveness of the sector will depend not only on the adoption of new technologies but also on developing a workforce with the technical, digital and problem-solving skills required to harness them effectively.
“At Eastern Education Group, we are proud to be investing significantly in that future. Our North Cambridgeshire Training Centre provides state-of-the-art welding, fabrication and manufacturing facilities, creating an industry-standard environment where learners can develop the practical skills employers need. This centre has been developed with anchor partner Stainless Metalcraft Ltd who, along with other employers in the region, provide input into curriculum design, creation, and delivery.
“These investments reflect our commitment to ensuring that education keeps pace with industry change. By working closely with manufacturers and engineering businesses, we can develop training that is aligned to real workforce demand, support the adoption of new technologies and create clear pathways into highly skilled careers. Through a combination of world-class facilities, apprenticeships, technical qualifications and strong employer partnerships, we are helping to address critical skills shortages while supporting the growth of a more productive, sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing sector.”
Her achievement also comes off the back of West Suffolk College receiving Construction Technical Excellence College status. The College – part of Eastern Education Group – is one of just ten colleges nationally selected to lead the future of construction training, increasing alignments between the construction and engineering sectors.
By bringing together employers and educational partners, Laraine and her dedicated team have created stronger pathways into manufacturing careers, supported apprenticeship growth, and helped ensure that emerging industries have access to the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive nationally and internationally.
Laraine said: “It’s an honour to be recognised by Make UK. It wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible team and the support from our employers and stakeholders.”
