Last Updated on: 29th April 2025, 03:59 pm
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has issued a serious alert regarding the future prospects of young people, with its new report Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z warning of a potential “lost generation.”
According to the report, nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This figure has grown by 110,000 over the past year alone. In response, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is stepping up, urging local businesses and educators to take immediate action via two flagship programmes: the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is among just eight regions nationwide chosen to roll out the Youth Guarantee, a CPCA-led programme aiming to provide direct routes into work and training for young people. It works hand-in-hand with businesses and education providers to deliver personalised support and early-stage interventions.
Running in parallel, the LSIP — a government-supported, Chamber-led initiative — is designed to match training provision with the evolving needs of employers in the region. The Chamber’s focus is on making sure that residents have access to real career prospects and the skills required to succeed in key industries.
Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Youth Guarantee Programme Board, said:
“We know from our LSIP that too many young people in our region are disconnected from education and employment. These new figures from the BCC are alarming — but we have the tools to make a difference. By connecting businesses with local training providers, we can build confidence, open doors, and give young people the skills they need to thrive.”
In 2024, 3.6% of 16- and 17-year-olds in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were classified as NEET, slightly above the national average of 3.2%, marking the region’s highest NEET rate since comparable records began in 2016 and continuing a two-year upward trend from 2.9%.
Through the LSIP, the Chamber is already working to address workforce shortages in high-growth sectors including Digital & IT, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Agri-tech. At the same time, the Youth Guarantee is focusing on preventative measures and confidence-building to re-engage young people early on.
Nick Frank, LSIP Project Manager at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The latest BCC report highlights a worrying trend, with too many young people disconnected from education and work. Having spent time as a teacher, I know how vital it is to provide real opportunities. Through the LSIP, we’re bringing together local employers, education providers, and stakeholders to ensure young people have access to pathways like internships, T-levels, and apprenticeships that equip them with the skills they need to succeed.”
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is calling on local employers to get involved. Businesses can register for the upcoming Labour Market Insights Webinar by visiting the Chamber’s event page here: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/quarterly-regional-labour-market-analysis-webinar-3/
They can also view previous webinar replays and access the latest youth employment data and regional labour market trends by visiting the Chamber’s webinar page: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/webinars/
Employers are also encouraged to attend the Talent Workshop at CambsB2B North, hosted by the Citizen Hub. This event will provide practical insights into supporting and developing future talent. More information and registration details can be found at https://cambsb2b.co.uk/north/.
