Mayor's View: Peterborough students looking forward to their next life steps

A big well done to students from across Peterborough who have been celebrating both A-level and GCSE results, writes Paul Bristow, Combined Authority Mayor. 

A-level results day saw young people working out their next steps, and in speaking with a few teenagers, I found that University wasn’t the only thing on their minds. I heard stories of heading straight into the working world, some looking for apprenticeships and one with a plan to go straight into our military.  

Whilst university may seem like the obvious option after sixth form, my Mayoral authority is highlighting that there is more choice than some may realise.  

Our Youth Trailblazer Internships are a key, giving people vital 6–12-week placements with local employers, giving them experience of work and real skills. They also can lead directly to jobs. We pay the wages too, so employers are more encouraged to offer them.  We work with our new Peterborough Youth Hub to support young people with future career advice, especially those who are needing help and direction. Apprenticeships are also something we are boosting. The Combined Authority works with local employers and education providers to fund and support apprenticeships. It’s worth remembering that these can be done up to a degree level too.  

But higher education still remains a great option too. The Combined Authority helped fund our new ARU Peterborough University to support the future of our youth. Linked directly to the skills needed in the local economy, it is giving local young people the chance of getting a degree closer to home. And seeing students on graduation day this summer made me proud of the impact this is having already.  

GCSE results were out last week so I went back to my old school, the Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey, to see how students got on.  
By law, young people in England must continue in education or training until they are 18, and my authority wants to make sure that 16-year-olds know that they have options once they leave school. Sixth form study, further education colleges, T Levels, and apprenticeships are all valuable routes to take, and I encourage any young person who is unsure of their next move to speak with their schools, potential college or training provider for further advice.  

It’s important to highlight that these results days are not just about young people either. Adult learners, of which there are over 10,000 in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, were also collecting results, and my authority is there to support anyone who wants to gain the skills for jobs, and new careers and futures.  

Young people are crucial to our goal of growing our economy substantially by 2050, and by offering them good options for jobs, training and further study, we can help them better share in the opportunities that will come.  

When I look at everyone who received a result over the last few weeks, and those who are moving on to further academic study, apprenticeships, or working opportunities, I can honestly say the future of our region feels like it’s in safe hands with this generation. And I’d like to wish everyone luck on their next steps.