New jobs scheme launched to help young people in St Neots into work

Young people in St Neots and across Huntingdonshire could benefit from a new drive to open up high-quality career opportunities, launched today by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The initiative expands support for 16 to 21-year-olds as part of the region’s role as a national ‘Youth Guarantee Trailblazer’, with a focus on creating more apprenticeships and introducing fully funded internships to help young people take their first steps into work.

For the first time, 18 to 21-year-olds will be able to access fully funded six-week internships, removing the wage cost for employers and creating more short-term placements to help young people gain experience. At the same time, funding to encourage businesses to take on apprentices aged 16 to 18 has been doubled to £4,000, with the aim of increasing the number of apprenticeship vacancies available locally.

The Combined Authority says the expanded programme comes at a crucial time, with a number of young people still struggling to enter the job market despite the region’s continued growth. Figures show that 3.9% of 16 to 17-year-olds across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are currently not in education, employment or training, rising to 5.4% in Peterborough.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said the scheme is designed to remove barriers for young people and employers alike, helping young residents build skills and confidence while supporting local businesses to grow their workforce.

“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.”

Small and medium-sized businesses in places such as St Neots will be able to access up to £5,000 in combined local and national grant support when hiring a young apprentice, or take on an intern at no wage cost for six weeks.