Home > Changing Lives: Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chosen to Lead the Way with the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer

Changing Lives: Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chosen to Lead the Way with the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer

December 5, 2024

  • Cambridge
  • LSIP
  • Peterborough & Stamford

In a groundbreaking move, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have been selected as a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, one of only eight regions in England chosen to spearhead efforts to support young people into employment. This initiative, launched as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper, will help thousands of 18-21-year-olds access apprenticeships, quality training, and job opportunities.

This new wave of funding—£240 million—provides crucial support for addressing skills shortages and youth unemployment. The program is a key opportunity for the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to build stronger partnerships between businesses, education providers, and local authorities, ensuring that training aligns with the needs of the regional economy.

For local employers, this is a chance to help shape the future workforce by offering apprenticeships, internships, and training opportunities. For young people, the initiative provides access to skills and experience that will help them build fulfilling careers.

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson highlighted the transformative potential of the program: “The ‘Get Britain Working’ package will be transformational in helping break down barriers to good quality employment. Through local knowledge and partnerships, we can deliver real opportunities that change lives.”

The initiative also complements other key programs, including Connect to Work, which supports adults facing significant barriers to employment, such as those with disabilities or health conditions. These efforts, alongside the LSIP, are crucial in ensuring that our region remains competitive and economically resilient, creating a well-equipped, skilled workforce for the future.

By supporting young people in gaining the skills needed to thrive, the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is a vital component of our broader Local Skills Improvement Plan, which aims to deliver skills that are not only relevant but also essential for the region’s growth and long-term prosperity.

You can stay informed on skills development and business trends with our comprehensive LSIP webinar series: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/webinars/.