Current stage
Open for applications until 6pm on Sunday 14th June
Final stage
Outcomes to be announced in early July, with delivery to be completed between July 2026 and 31st March 2027
The full application stage for the Trailblazer Grant Funding Programme is now open. Organisations that submitted an Expression of Interest are invited to complete a full application by 6pm on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Funding for Frontline Delivery: Supporting the Youth Guarantee in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
The Youth Guarantee is a national commitment to ensure that every young person aged 18 to 21 in England can access education, training, apprenticeships, or employment support—so that no one is left without opportunity after leaving school.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is proud to be one of just eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas, working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to test and develop joined-up, local approaches that reduce the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
What is the Youth Guarantee?
Part of the UK Government’s Get Britain Working strategy, the Youth Guarantee aims to provide every 18–21-year-old with a clear, supported route into education, employment or training (EET). It also seeks to tackle regional inequalities and ensure all young people—regardless of background—have equal access to opportunity and support.
Key Objectives
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Prevent disengagement through early, tailored support.
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Streamline existing services, making them easier for young people to access and navigate.
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Reach those at greatest risk—ensuring no young person is left behind.
To support delivery of the Youth Guarantee, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is launching a £1.5 million grant programme to strengthen frontline services for young people aged 18 to 21 (up to 25 with EHCP and including 16-17 year olds where there is a strong rantionale for doing so.).
Funding is open to schools, colleges, public sector bodies, charities, voluntary organisations, and private training or employment providers with a demonstrable track record of engaging young people and delivering impact.
Proposals must focus on supporting young people aged 18 to 21, particularly those facing barriers to education, employment, or training.
Applicants should demonstrate:
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Strong, active local partnerships
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Clear evidence of need—geographical, demographic or community-based
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A track record of working with young people in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough region
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Capacity to mobilise and scale relevant services or solutions quickly
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Alignment with the Youth Guarantee pathway framework (see applicant guidance)
Experiences of the Workplace
Strenghthen opportunities for 18-21 year olds to have experiences within the workplace through employer incentives and support
Health, Mental, Health & Wellbeing
Working with our ICB, through primary and secondary care and strengthening links for young people seeking employment
Provision
Funded FE provision and work-related training options alongside apprenticeship opportunities
Wraparound Support
Wider wraparound support, including bursaries, course fee loans and childcare support.
Employment Support
Employment support through the expanded Youth Offer and local interventions
Careers Advice
Careers advice through education providers, local services and the National Careers Service or Job Centre Plus
Transport
Share and strengthen local policy and use travel to earn and learn data to inform policy development.
Data
Use and improve access to and quality of data to help inform policy development and decision making.
Identification & Engagement
Establishing clear processes and systems that enable services to identify and engage with young people 18+