Cambridgeshire, UK. April 29th 2025 – The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has issued a stark warning about a “lost generation” of young people, following the publication of its latest report, Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z.
The report reveals that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET), a figure that has increased by 110,000 over the past year. This growing crisis has prompted the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce to call on local businesses and education providers to act now, offering tangible solutions through two key initiatives: the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is one of just eight regions in the UK selected to deliver the Youth Guarantee, a programme led by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA). The initiative is designed to create new pathways into employment and training for young people, working closely with local businesses and education providers to offer tailored support and early intervention.
Alongside this, the LSIP, a government-funded, Chamber-led initiative, is aligning education with local employer needs. The Chamber is actively working to ensure that people across the region have access to meaningful skills development opportunities and jobs.
Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, and 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.”
Regional labour market data discussed in the Chamber’s recent webinar revealed that 11.5% of young people across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are NEET — rising to 13.1% in Fenland. These local challenges reflect the national picture, underlining the need for tailored, employer-informed interventions.
The LSIP is already addressing gaps in key sectors such as Digital & IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Agri-tech, ensuring that training meets the needs of today’s economy. Meanwhile, the Youth Guarantee is focused on early intervention, building confidence, and preventing long-term disengagement.
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/.
For those seeking more tailored support, businesses can email lsip@cambscci.co.uk to connect directly with the Chamber’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team for one-to-one advice on navigating the skills landscape and shaping their future workforce.
ENDS