A new initiative aiming to improve skills and increase apprenticeship opportunities for young people in the local area was launched last week.

The East Cambridgeshire Skills Forum met for the first time at the eSpace north business centre in Littleport. At the event, four speakers addressed representatives from businesses and learning establishments about the challenges and how to tackle them.

As part of the event, the Signpost 2 Skills bus paid a visit to promote the #jointhejourney campaign, which aims to promote the range of apprenticeship opportunities on offer to businesses and young people.

The crew included apprenticeship providers, members of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Signpost 2 Skills team, and local apprentices who shared their experiences with visitors.

Councillor Lis Every from East Cambridgeshire District Council, who led the forum, said: “The event was a fantastic success and everyone involved is committed to working together to make this an effective forum going forwards.

“Improving the apprenticeship and skills offering is vital to the productivity of our region and we are excited about the challenge ahead.”

Stella Cockerill, head of skills from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP (GCGP LEP), said: “The East Cambridgeshire Skills Forum has been born out of a desire from the local area to develop the training and development opportunities available to young people.”

Visit www.signpost2skills.co.uk for more information.

The East Cambridgeshire skills forum is made up of representatives from over 35 different organisations including local schools and colleges, businesses and local authorities.