As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off, Huntingdon-based
renewable energy specialists Brimstone Energy are urging local
businesses to invest in the next generation, backed by a
significant increase in government and local funding.
With the launch of the new "Youth Guarantee" grants, small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region can now claim up to
£5,000 in total support for hiring a 16–18-year-old apprentice,
an initiative designed to bridge the skills gap in growing
sectors like green technology.
Brimstone Energy, founded in 2023 by former British Army Officer
Matt Hilton, has already seen the benefits firsthand. The company
recently hired Finley, a 16-year-old apprentice studying at the
East Anglia Energy Academy, to help install solar, battery, and
heat pump systems across the county.
For Brimstone, the decision to hire an apprentice was driven by a
need to future-proof the industry.
, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough, said: "National Apprenticeship Week is a
reminder that university isn't the only path to a successful
career. By connecting young people with forward-thinking local
businesses like Brimstone Energy, we are building a workforce
capable of tackling the challenges of tomorrow.
"I want to help more young people into good jobs. This is about
giving our next generation the chance to learn new skills, build
their confidence, and step into great careers right here in our
region."
Matt Hilton, Director of Brimstone Energy, said:
"We really do believe in the future of the country. Without
taking on young people into the workforce, there just isn't going
to be a future workforce to install this exciting low-carbon
technology. It is vital that small businesses are supported to
take on apprentices; they add a lot of value to companies. We've
got a lot of fantastic green tech out there, but if we don't have
the skilled workforce to install it, it's not going to be much
use."
For 16 year old Finley, the apprenticeship route offered a
practical alternative to full-time college, allowing him to earn
qualifications while working on real projects.
Finley, Electrical Apprentice at Brimstone Energy,
said: "The academic side wasn't really for me, so
getting to do hands-on straight off the school was a much better
route. Being an apprentice, I enjoy that I can be hands-on and
learn at the same time, whereas if I went just to college, I'd be
in a classroom each day. I'd recommend an apprenticeship; if you
can get one, I'd pick that!"
The new funding comes at a time of unprecedented growth for
vocational training in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Over the
last 12 months, the Combined Authority (CPCA) has reported a 171%
increase in apprenticeship starts, nearly tripling the number of
opportunities created for local people compared to the previous
year.
Business confidence in the scheme has followed suit.
Participation from local employers has risen by 112%, meaning the
Combined Authority has more than doubled its reach into the local
economy, establishing itself as a trusted partner for twice as
many businesses.
New Funding Available for Local Businesses
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has
doubled its local grant offer to support SMEs that haven't
recruited an apprentice in the last 12 months.
Employers can now access:
- £4,000 from the Combined Authority (doubled from previous
offers).
- £1,000 existing national government grant.
Total potential funding: Up to £5,000 per apprentice.
Regional Statistics
The increased funding comes in response to recent data
highlighting the need for youth engagement in the region. The
latest figures for 16–17-year-olds Not in Education, Employment,
or Training (NEET) are as follows:
- Peterborough: 4.3%
- Cambridgeshire: 3.3%
(Source: 2024/25 Local Authority Activity Survey / Combined
Authority Economic Data)
These grants aim to directly reduce these figures by removing
financial barriers for businesses willing to offer young people a
start in their careers.
About Brimstone Energy
Brimstone Energy is a Huntingdon-based renewable energy provider
specialising in sustainable heating and power solutions for
residential and commercial properties. Committed to the region's
net-zero goals, they are dedicated investors in local green
skills and youth development.
