Over 50 interns, businesses, and key
stakeholders gathered in Peterborough to celebrate the
achievements of interns who have successfully completed their
placements across Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough.
The event on Wednesday (February 26),
held at the Delta Hotel, Marriot, and attended by Dr , Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, recognised
the dedication and hard work of interns who have made a
significant impact within their host organisations. The Mayor
presented awards to outstanding interns, acknowledging their
contributions and the valuable experience gained through the
programme.
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Combined Authority (CPCA), through its Growth Works with Skills
service, has supported workforce development in the region by
funding internships and partnering with businesses to create
employment opportunities. This has helped remove recruitment
barriers, helping individuals gain valuable skills and experience
while strengthening the local
economy.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Dr said:
“Internships are a vital stepping
stone for young professionals and those looking to enter new
industries. This programme's success and this event demonstrates
our region's incredible talent and businesses' commitment to
investing in the future workforce. By supporting internships, the
Combined Authority is not only creating opportunities for
individuals but also strengthening our local economy.
Congratulations to all the interns and employers who have taken
part in this transformative
initiative.”
Natasha Davis, who won the
Intern of the Year
award, applied for an internship
through Growth Works with
Skills with creative marketing
partner for small and growing businesses
Wing Women
Plus, using it as an
opportunity to return to work after an 18-month career break to
care for her child.
Natasha said:
"This award means so much to me. It
was really daunting trying to find a role that would be flexible
and completely fit around my caring responsibilities. Since
finding this internship, it's been transformative for me
personally. I'm in a permanent role where I feel valued, can work
flexibly and finally am able to let my creativity flow. I'm
learning so many new skills, finding my niche and working to my
strengths and it feels great! I really recommend the internship
programme for people of all
ages!"
Catherine McFadzean, from
Fitness
Rush, won the
Intern Ambassador
award after completing her internship
at the Old Hurst-based
company. Catherine was offered
full-time employment and has since trained a new intern—who also
won an award at the event.
"It's such an honour to win this
award. I was the first intern to be enrolled in the pilot
programme, and this experience completely transformed my life,"
she said. "I cannot recommend the internship programme enough.
After years of struggling with addiction issues, I gained the
confidence and direction to pursue a career in the fitness
industry."
This celebration not only honoured
individual achievements but also highlighted the success of the
Combined Authorities internship initiative. Since April last
year, 111 high-quality internships have started with local
employers, all paying at least the National Living Wage (for
those aged 21+) or the National Minimum Wage (for those aged
16–20). The programme has received 388 applications,
demonstrating its strong appeal among those seeking meaningful
employment opportunities.
The internship programme continues to
serve as a vital pipeline for fresh talent, supporting businesses
while providing meaningful employment opportunities for local
individuals aged 16+ with the right to work in the UK. By
adopting innovative recruitment methods—beyond traditional CVs
and formal interviews—employers have successfully broadened
access to diverse talent pools.
With continued support from local
businesses, stakeholders, and the community, the internship
programme remains a driving force for skills development and
economic growth in Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough.
For more information on how to
participate in the internship programme or access funding, please
contact the Skills team at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Combined Authority: Skillsteam@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk
