After nearly ten years of successful work together in Greater Cambridge, Form the Future have been chosen as the preferred bidder by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) to help children and young people develop their skills and progress confidently into careers in the region.

The appointment will be discussed at this week’s GCP joint assembly after papers were published last week.

Form the Future has been tasked with building on the successful programme which has far exceeded its target of 400 new apprenticeships, with nearly 700 apprenticeships created and more than 10,000 students connected with employers who provide apprenticeships and training opportunities. GCP’s funding has enabled Form the Future to provide careers support in every state secondary school in Greater Cambridge and many primary schools, facilitating nearly 200,000 student and employer encounters since 2015.

Niamh Matthews, GCP Assistant Director – Strategy and Programme, said: “Our skills programme has been delivering for Greater Cambridge residents for nearly ten years. People both young and old have been able to develop new skills which have directly led to employment. The numbers are telling - over 700 apprenticeship and training starts and thousands of people being connected with employers and accessing mentoring programmes. This is a great thing and one we should all be rightly proud of. Pending member approval, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Form the Future and building on the incredible successes we’ve already seen within our communities”.

Anne Bailey, Form the Future CEO, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been chosen as the preferred bidder to provide the skills programme for another two years. We can see the tangible impact we’re having on people’s lives and it’s vital that work continues. Equipping people with the skills and training needed for careers in high-growth industries is essential for driving economic prosperity. By preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities, we can fuel innovation, attract investment, and ensure long-term economic resilience in Greater Cambridge and the wider region. From providing careers guidance and mentoring, enabling apprenticeships and work experience, and supporting school staff, parents, and employers, I’m looking forward to continuing the relationship with GCP to deliver for the people of our area.”

Form the Future was chosen as the preferred bidder following a procurement process with Cambridgeshire County Council. The contract will be based on the delivery of:

• Apprenticeships, training programmes and internships.
• Careers guidance for primary and secondary schools, including special schools and alternative provision.
• Mentoring for young people who are at risk of being Not in Education, Employment or Training.
• Engagement with parents/carers to inform, raise awareness and equip them to support their young people.
• Supporting staff in schools with a detailed understanding of current and emerging work opportunities for their students.

The GCP is working with partners to explore ways in which the skills contract could benefit Cambridgeshire as a whole.

The Joint Assembly meeting is due to take place on Thursday 20 February 2025 at the Guildhall in Cambridge and via live stream on our YouTube channel. Papers for the meeting are available at Council and committee meetings - Cambridgeshire County Council > Meetings Calendar