Meet Jason Mashinchi, Founder and Managing Director of Cambridge Kinetics, and discover how his business became the first in the region to take on an apprentice through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Youth Guarantee Age Grant, part of the pioneering Youth Trailblazer initiative.

Jason shares how welcoming Alvis, a Level 4 Software Testing Apprentice, has brought fresh energy, new ideas, and valuable skills to his growing tech business. With the support of the Combined Authority, Jason demonstrates how apprenticeships are not only helping young people take their first steps into work, but also helping local employers strengthen their teams and grow.

Hear directly from Jason on how the Youth Guarantee Age Grant makes it easier for small businesses to invest in young talent — and why he believes apprenticeships are key to the future of skills and innovation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

🎥 Watch Jason’s story below

“As a major employer in the region, the Combined Authority Internship Scheme has been a fantastic way for us to bring in fresh talent and give motivated individuals a real chance to learn on the job,” says Michael Moriarty, HR Director at Mick George Ltd.

“Our interns are contributing from day one, gaining hands-on experience operating machinery and working safely on-site. The programme allows us to train people regardless of their background, and we’ve already seen some move into full-time roles. It’s a win-win — helping tackle the skills shortage while giving young people a real pathway into a career in construction.”

🎥 Watch Michael

“The Combined Authority Internship Scheme has been invaluable for our business,” says Will Blower, Director at Realise Finance. “It gives us the chance to bring in young talent, see how they fit, and nurture their skills. Interns bring fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm — and for many, it’s the first step into a long-term career.”

“Through the programme, we’ve been able to invest in our team, grow our business, and help young people gain real-world experience in finance. It’s a simple, effective way to support both local talent and local business growth.”

🎥 Watch Realise Finances' story