Are you looking to build a dynamic, future-ready workforce? Our Youth Trailblazer Initiatives offer employers an exciting opportunity to invest in young talent while accessing generous financial support.
By hiring a young apprentice or intern, you can bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovation to your team, all while benefiting from significant funding to ease the process.
Why Hire Young Talent?
Young people aged 16–21 are eager to learn, adaptable, and ready to contribute to your business. By offering them a chance to shine, you’re not just filling a role—you’re shaping the future of your industry and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals.
Our initiatives make it easier than ever to bring them on board.
Apprenticeship Grants for 16–24-Year-Olds
Boost Your Apprenticeship Programme: Receive a grant of up to £4,000 for each 16–24-year-old apprentice you hire, in addition to the existing £1,000 government grant.
Why Choose This? This extra funding helps cover training, onboarding, and other costs, making it more affordable to nurture young talent into skilled professionals.
Find out more
Fully Funded Internships for 18–21-Year-Olds
Choose the structure that best fits your business:
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Option 1: 100% Salary Support for 6 Weeks Hire an intern aged 18–21 for 8–30 hours per week, with 100% of their salary covered (based on the National Minimum/Living Wage). Includes an extra £600 subsidy (£100 per week) to offset onboarding costs like equipment and training.
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Option 2: 50% Salary Support for 12 Weeks Hire an intern aged 18–21 for 8–30 hours per week, with 50% of their salary covered (based on the National Minimum/Living Wage). Includes an extra £600 subsidy (£50 per week) to offset onboarding costs like equipment and training.
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Why Choose This? This flexible funding reduces financial barriers, allowing you to tap into motivated young talent while keeping costs manageable.
HTQ Grants: Supporting Young Talent Through Higher Technical Qualifications
We're excited to introduce a new funding opportunity designed to help employers invest in young talent through Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) – typically Level 4 and 5 qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
Find out more
Employer Stories
Hear directly from local employers as they share how the Combined Authority’s internship and apprenticeship programmes have helped them grow their teams, develop new talent, and bring fresh ideas into their businesses.
Discover how companies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are investing in young people, building skills for the future, and seeing real impact on their growth and innovation.
Employer Stories
Invest in Youth, Invest in Your Future
Hiring a young apprentice or intern isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about building a brighter future for your business and your community. With our Youth Trailblazer Initiatives, you’ll have the financial support and resources to make it happen. Join us in empowering the next generation of talent!
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Young people bring energy, creativity, and tech-savvy skills to your workplace.
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With substantial funding, hiring youth has never been more affordable.
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Investing in young employees fosters long-term commitment and a strong company culture.
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By training the next generation, you’re ensuring your business remains competitive in a rapidly changing world.