Peterborough’s university awarded £150,000 to bolster career support for young people
Peterborough’s university has secured £150,000 to strengthen career support for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
The cash will allow ARU Peterborough to expand its special programme that is free for 18 to 21-year-olds across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire who are currently not in education, employment or training.
Called Upskill Peterborough, the funding will allow it to deliver two further four-week courses, beginning on October 20 and then again in February 2027.
The initiative supports young people to explore their strengths and interests through a range of hands-on learning experiences, with the aim of building their skills and confidence.
Participants engage in practical sessions in subjects including engineering, business and healthcare, delivered by specialist ARU Peterborough lecturers.
The sessions incorporate AI in creative and engaging ways, to help build confidence in using emerging technologies.
A university spokesperson said that the learning at the ARU Peterborough’s campus is combined with workplace visits to major regional employers including Weetabix, Caterpillar Perkins and Burmor Construction.
These allow participants to explore different roles and industries, and consider what motivates them and what careers might suit them.
Dr Esther Norton, assistant principal of ARU Peterborough, said: “Upskill Peterborough combines confidence-building with practical skills development, helping young people explore new ideas, technologies and opportunities.
Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Peterborough City Council, said: “It is absolutely vital that young people who are struggling to get on the first rung of the employment ladder, or who don’t understand what educational and training opportunities are available to them, are given the support, guidance and first-hand experience to make the best choices for themselves.
“It can be a daunting prospect trying to decide what to do next after education or choosing a career path.
"Upskill Peterborough can help raise the aspirations of our young people and help improve the skills of our residents both now and in the future.”
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, which has provided the funding, said: “We need to provide more opportunities for our young people, and Upskill Peterborough is a great example of practical help which is looking to break down the barriers that many of our youth face.”