Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority: New Wave of Apprenticeships and Internships to Launch Careers for Young People

A major drive to get young people into high-quality careers has been launched today by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Combined Authority), opening up new pathways for 16–21-year-olds to enter the workforce.

As part of its status as a national ‘Youth Guarantee Trailblazer', the Combined Authority is expanding its skills offer to create more opportunities than ever before. The initiative focuses on two key routes into work: increasing the number of apprenticeships and launching fully funded internships to help young peo ple take that first vital step on the career ladder.

To ensure young people in the region have access to the best possible start, the Combined Authority has strengthened the support available to create these roles:

• Zero-Cost Internships: For the first time, 18–21-year-olds can access fully funded 6-week internships. This removes the cost barrier for employers, creating more short-term placements for young people to gain experience and prove their potential.
• More Apprenticeships: To generate more apprenticeship vacancies for 16–18-year-olds, the local support grant has been doubled to £4,000. This funding is designed to encourage more local employers to create training roles, giving school leavers a direct route into skilled employment.

The expanded programme comes at a crucial time. While the region is growing, too many young people are still struggling to find their footing in the job market.

Current figures show that 3.9% of 16–17-year-olds in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), with that figure rising to 5.4% in Peterborough. By increasing the number of paid internships and apprenticeships, the Combined Authority aims to reverse this trend and offer a clear alternative to unemployment.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “I want to help more young people into good jobs. We know that getting that first foot in the door is often the hardest part, and these changes are about opening that door for as many people as possible.

“This funding will support even more apprenticeships and internships, giving our young people the chance to learn new skills, build their confidence, and step into great careers. It also gives local businesses the practical support they need to take on new talent and grow their own workforce.”

To deliver these opportunities, the Combined Authority is offering significant financial support to local businesses. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can now access up to £5,000 in total cash support when hiring a young apprentice (combining local and national grants) or take on an intern at zero wage cost for six weeks.

Businesses ready to offer an opportunity to a young person can apply now by visiting www.cpcaskills.com or emailing Skillsteam@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.