Upskill Peterborough receives £150k funding boost
ARU Peterborough supports young people not in education, employment or training
ARU Peterborough has been awarded £150,000 of funding to deliver crucial career support for local young people who are not in education, employment or training.
The funding, which comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority as part of the UK Government’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme, will enable ARU Peterborough to expand its successful Upskill Peterborough programme.
Following the programme’s successful launch earlier this year, the new funding will support the delivery of two further four-week courses, beginning on Tuesday, 20 October and then again in February 2027.
Upskill Peterborough is a unique university-led scheme that is free for 18 to 21-year-olds across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire who are currently not in education, employment or training.
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.
Learning at 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.
“Upskill Peterborough combines confidence-building with practical skills development, helping young people explore new ideas, technologies and opportunities.
“The programme enables participants to discover their interests, strengths and aspirations while developing valuable skills for the future. Through visits to a range of workplaces and engagement with local employers, young people gain insight into different career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.”
Dr Esther Norton, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough“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.”
Cllr Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Peterborough City Council“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.
“I want to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough working. Our programme continues to help institutions, such as ARU Peterborough, to give young people who are not in education, employment, or training the confidence and skills they need to succeed in the future.”
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul BristowParticipation in the course is free, and ARU Peterborough will also provide lunch and assistance with travel costs. To register interest or for further information, please email [email protected] or visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/professional-and-short-courses/upskill-peterborough
ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.