From Zero to a 6-Person Team: How CPCA Internships Are Transforming Local Businesses

From Zero to a 6-Person Team: How CPCA Internships Are Transforming Local Businesses

Across Peterborough, over 1,000 young people are currently claiming Universal Credit, a massive pool of untapped potential waiting for the right opportunity. At the same time, local employers face the challenge of expanding their workforce without taking on heavy financial risk. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Internship Programme bridges this exact gap, connecting ambitious young adults with growing businesses.

For nearly three decades, Peterborough catering and events company Chef de la Maison operated without a dedicated digital department. Owner Nathan Higgins wanted to scale operations and expand a youth academy at the Allia Future Business Centre, but needed new skills to drive that growth.

Enter Marco, a law graduate from King’s College London. Despite a strong academic background, Marco faced a tough job market, sending out hundreds of applications without landing a role.

Through the DWP’s Movement to Work scheme, Marco was introduced to Chef de la Maison. Following a brief two-week pre-placement, he stepped into a fully funded six-week CPCA internship.

From Intern to Team Leader

The internship gave Marco the opportunity to demonstrate his skills across social media management, content creation, and IT support. The outcome transformed both his career and the business:

• Permanent Retention: Marco completed his internship and secured a full-time role as Digital and Technology Assistant.
• Rapid Expansion: Chef de la Maison built its digital operation from scratch into a six-person strong team.
• Peer Leadership: Marco now leads technical projects and mentors new team members joining through the academy.
• Long-Term Pipeline: The success of the scheme inspired five new internal apprenticeship applications across digital and hospitality roles.

“Real people, real stories, and real outcomes, that’s what this programme is about. Marco’s journey is inspirational, and seeing him bring on other young people proves how valuable this funding is for local employers.” said Mayor Paul Bristow

Choose the Funding Structure That Fits Your Business

Fully funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the CPCA Internship Programme offers two flexible funding models to suit your operational goals:

Funding Structure	Duration	Salary Support	Hours / Week	Onboarding Subsidy
Option 1: Short-Term Trial	6 Weeks	100% Covered (NMW/NLW)	8–38 hours	Extra £600 (£100/week)
Option 2: Extended Placement	12 Weeks	50% Match-Funded (NMW/NLW)	8–30 hours	Extra £600 (£50/week)

There is no commitment to offer permanent employment after the placement, giving businesses complete flexibility to test new projects.

Bring talented new people into your business

Lower your recruitment costs, offset onboarding expenses, and bring fresh perspectives to your organisation.

• Complete our brief Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to detail your business requirements
• Our team will work with your businesses to find the best funding option and help you recruit.

Email internships@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk or submit your Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to access funding for your next hire >> Internships for employers