Home > Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Champion Youth Employment in Trailblazer Programme

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Champion Youth Employment in Trailblazer Programme

January 28, 2025

  • Cambridge
  • LSIP
  • Peterborough & Stamford

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has been selected as one of only eight regions to pilot the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, a national initiative designed to help young people overcome barriers to education, training, and employment.

At the recent Skills and Employment Committee meeting, the CPCA secured £5 million in funding for the programme’s first year. The Trailblazer will run from April 2025 to March 2026, providing a transformative opportunity for the region as part of the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper.

The CPCA is leading this initiative, which focuses on:

  • Providing tailored support for 18–21-year-olds to prepare for employment and access education or training opportunities.
  • Strengthening collaboration between local councils, Jobcentre Plus, employers, and other key stakeholders.
  • Improving digital services and outreach to ensure young people can access support effectively.

Young Voices at the Centre

Central to the Trailblazer is the creation of a Youth Forum. This newly established forum will include representatives aged 16–21 (or up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The forum will offer young people a platform to guide the programme, providing input on barriers to employment, digital service delivery, and designing youth-friendly job opportunities.

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, commented:
“The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is an incredible opportunity for our region to lead the way in supporting young people into meaningful employment and training opportunities. By establishing the Youth Forum, we are putting young voices front and centre, ensuring they help shape the solutions that will directly impact their lives.”

How This Aligns with the LSIP

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer aligns closely with the objectives of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). Both initiatives aim to connect education and training opportunities with the needs of local businesses, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills demanded by the regional economy.

By fostering partnerships between education providers, employers, and community stakeholders, the CPCA is supporting a sustainable and inclusive workforce for Cambridgeshire. These efforts not only empower young people but also help employers address critical skills gaps, benefiting the entire local economy.

What’s Next?

Applications for the Youth Forum will open on 31st January 2025, with the first meeting scheduled for February half-term.

For more details on how the CPCA’s efforts complement the LSIP and regional workforce development, visit: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/sectors/localskills/

To explore the broader impact of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer and its alignment with CPCA objectives, visit the CPCA website: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/