Free programme to unlock career opportunities
Upskill Peterborough is designed for anyone not in work, training or education
The Lab building, the third phase of ARU Peterborough that opened in 2024
ARU Peterborough has launched a new initiative to empower young people across Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire and help them build their skills and confidence.
The free four-week course, called Upskill Peterborough, begins on 3 February and is open to anyone aged 18-21 who is not currently in work, training or education.
Taking place at ARU Peterborough’s award-winning city centre campus, Upskill Peterborough will combine hands-on skills development with visits to local businesses, giving participants a unique insight into future career opportunities.
The programme will culminate in a group project where participants will apply their new skills to tackle a real-world challenge and present their solutions to a panel of industry experts.
By the end of the course, participants will leave with a professionally written CV, enhanced confidence and clear ideas about pathways into further education or employment.
Funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, through the UK Government’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme, Upskill Peterborough runs four days a week throughout February and includes a free lunch.
By investing in Upskill Peterborough, partners hope to reduce youth disengagement, strengthen local talent pipelines and ensure no young person is left behind.
“We’re thrilled to launch Upskill Peterborough. This is more than a course – we hope it will be a launchpad for personal growth, professional development and meaningful progression.
“Participants will get to sharpen their employability skills, such as communication and digital literacy, while exploring real-world workplaces including offices, construction sites and engineering plants.
“With travel support and a welcoming campus environment at ARU Peterborough, we hope Upskill Peterborough will break down barriers as well as nurture local talent.”
Dr Esther Norton, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough
“Upskill Peterborough is about supporting young people in our communities and helping them see what’s possible for their future.
“Through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, we want to make sure that every young person has the chance to build confidence, develop new skills and feel connected to opportunities close to home. By working with partners like ARU Peterborough, we’re investing in local talent and strengthening our communities so no young person is left behind.”
Andrea Wood, Assistant Skills and Employment Director at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined AuthorityTo book a free place, visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/professional-and-short-courses/upskill-peterborough or email [email protected] with any questions.
ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.