Free course aims to sharpen employment skills

A free course aims to "sharpen the employability skills" of 18 to 21-year-olds across Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire.

The training, for young people not in work, training or education, is to be launched by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

Upskill Peterborough, which begins on 3 February, will be based at ARU's Peterborough city centre campus and will involve local businesses.

"We hope it will be a launchpad for personal growth, professional development and meaningful progression," said assistant principal Dr Esther Norton.

"Participants will get to sharpen their employability skills, such as communication and digital literacy, while exploring real-world workplaces including offices, construction sites and engineering plants.

"With travel support and a welcoming campus environment... we hope Upskill Peterborough will break down barriers as well as nurture local talent."

The course has been funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, through the government's Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.

It is hoped Upskill Peterborough will help reduce youth disengagement, strengthen local talent and ensure no young person is left behind, said the university.

People would leave with a professionally written CV, more confidence and clear ideas about ways into further education or employment at the end of the course, it added.

Andrea Wood, the combined authority's assistant director of skills and employment, said it was aimed at helping young people "see what's possible for their future".

"We want to make sure every young person has the chance to build confidence, develop new skills and feel connected to opportunities close to home," she said.

Lunch is included as part of the free course, with details of travel help to be confirmed.

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