Building skills can help you find work and plan your future. There is support for young people and adults, including courses, training, and employment services.
Skills and learning
Cambridgeshire Skills is Cambridgeshire County Councils adult learning service.
We offer courses and learning opportunities for adults aged 19+ who live in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Courses include Maths, English, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), digital skills and vocational subjects up to level 3. Our courses are designed to help you build skills for work or move on to further study.
Contact us by telephone: 01353 613013 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), or email: cambsals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Search the National Careers Service portal for a wider range of available courses and qualifications Find a Course | National Careers Service
Cambridgeshire’s Youth Offer
Cambridgeshire’s Youth Offer brings together the County Council, district councils, the voluntary and community sector, health partners, schools, and young people. It creates a coherent and inclusive youth ecosystem across the county. It helps young people access safe spaces, trusted relationships and meaningful activities. It also gives them the opportunity to shape local decisions.
Cambridgeshire coordinates training, accredited pathways and professional development for youth workers, volunteers, and trusted adults. This is supported by national bursary schemes and strong links with further and higher education partners.
The Youth Offer plays a central role in prevention, wellbeing, and safety. It supports young people through initiatives such as the Trusted Adult Scheme and Youth Impact Programmes. It also works in partnership with Centre 33, Fullscope, NHS services, and VCSE organisations. This support helps improve mental health, physical wellbeing, and safety. It also helps protect young people from harm and reduce serious violence.
A youth insight map from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough insight shows local youth groups, clubs and projects across the county.
Support for young people (under 25)
Centre 33 offers support with any concerns about money, benefits, jobs and careers.
The Youth Progression Service provides advisors for young people to support them with information and support to help them transition into education, employment or training. The advisors aim to support 15–18-year-olds (up to 25 years with an EHCP).
Most people under 18 years can’t claim benefits but there are some exceptions. Use Better Off Calculator - Policy in Practice to check your specific situation.
Cambridge Online has information about education and training for 16–25 year-olds with special educational needs.
Pinpoint has information for young people with special education needs to support them take their first steps into work.
Education, training and work | Cambridgeshire County Council has information about education, training or employment support for young people leaving care.
Jobcentre
Jobcentres help people find work, build skills, and get financial support if they need it. They support residents move into employment and improve their long-term job prospects.
Jobcentres offer support such as work coaches, CV building, job search, training and processing claims for Universal Credit.
Extra support
Additional support is available for people who may face extra barriers to employment.
Access to Work could offer you specialised support if you have a disability or health condition.
Workwell helps people facing physical or mental health challenges to find or stay in work.
The Support Into Work Programme (SITW) helps people with learning disabilities build the skills they need to live and work independently.
Papworth Trust helps people with disabilities to access work.
Waythrough supports people experiencing mental health difficulties or who are neurodivergent to find and sustain employment.
Reach offers support in South and East Cambridgeshire to proactively tackle poverty. This includes emergency support, home visits, financial literacy, education and more.
