Combined Authority Internship Scheme Tackles Skills Shortage in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Combined Authority Internship Scheme Tackles Skills Shortage in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

A transformative internship programme, led by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, is changing lives and helping residents into work while tackling the region’s skills shortage.

The programme connects local talent with major employers like Mick George Ltd, a key player in the region’s construction sector. By tapping into Combined Authority funding, with the help of Constructed Pathways, Mick George has taken on five interns for six-week placements, equipping them with the training and the skills to start a career in a high-demand industry.

This Combined Authority-led initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), brings together local government, skills providers and local businesses to deliver intensive training that values hard work over prior experience.

Beyond construction, internships are also running with employers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in finance, fitness and wellbeing, retail, and marketing, giving young people a wide range of routes into work.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, hailed the programme’s success: “This initiative is about real jobs and real futures. Last year, an intern became a full-time project manager with Constructed Pathways, and now Mick George Ltd is training five interns to become dozer drivers. We’re investing in programmes like this to build skills and create well-paid careers for our residents.”

 “The collaboration between local government, skills providers, and industry is crucial to solving the skills shortage,” said Dan Edwards from Constructed Pathways. “We’re the integrators, bringing everyone together to create opportunities that industry needs.”

Michael Moriarty, HR Director at Mick George Ltd, explained their enthusiasm for the programme: “As a major employer, we jumped at the chance to use Combined Authority funding to bring in fresh talent. Our interns are already operating machinery and contributing from day one. This programme lets us train motivated individuals, regardless of their background, and it’s working – we’ve got people in full-time roles because of it.”

Intern, Zack McCoo shared this enthusiasm for the programme’s impact: “This internship with Mick George has been life-changing. I’ve gained practical skills like operating a dumper with confidence, learned how to work effectively on a construction site, and built teamwork abilities alongside supportive colleagues. The programme has opened doors to a long-term career in construction. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

The Combined Authority’s six-week internships cover 100% of salaries at National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) based on age, plus a £100 weekly employer subsidy for onboarding costs. Interns work 12-38 hours per week, with no requirement for sustained employment post-placement. Following this success, the Combined Authority is launching 100 new 12-week internships for 18-21-year-olds through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers (YGT) programme, offering a £600 bursary per intern to foster deeper skill development.

Local employers interested in hosting interns can find out more at www.cpcaskills.com/internships-for-employers/

Residents seeking a fresh start can explore opportunities via https://cpcaskills.com/employer-hub/internships-for-participants/  or email internships@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk

Mayor Paul Bristow talks internships and supporting young people:

Intern Zack talks about his experience as a dozer driver: