Full Breakdown
Youth Employment Hub Opens at Peterborough United Football Ground
1/4/2026, 11:17:12 AM
Addressing Youth Unemployment in Peterborough
Peterborough, a city grappling with high youth unemployment rates, has launched a new employment hub at the Peterborough United football ground. This initiative aims to support the estimated 1,400 young people in the area who are currently not engaged in employment, education, or training. The hub, which opened last month, is designed for individuals aged 16 to 24 and offers a range of services including careers advice, skills training, and mental health support.
Collaborative Efforts for Youth Support
The youth employment hub is a collaborative effort involving the Peterborough United Foundation (PUF), Jobcentre Plus, and EFL in the Community, the charitable arm of the English Football League. Tara Lynch, customer service leader for Peterborough and Wisbech Jobcentres, emphasized the importance of adapting services to meet the needs of young people. She stated, "It's vital that support is flexible, accessible, and delivered in places young people trust." This partnership aims to create a welcoming environment that encourages young people to seek assistance and explore job opportunities.
Personal Experiences and Impact
Young individuals like Lukas Karciauskas, 21, have expressed optimism about the hub's potential. Lukas, who is seeking a career in IT, shared his struggles with job applications and the feeling of isolation in his job search. He noted that the hub provides a sense of community, stating, "Going to the Posh... means you are with like-minded people." Another participant, Joseph Lucak, 20, highlighted the hub's positive influence on his job hunt, asserting it has "100 per cent" made a difference in his approach to finding work.
Mentorship and Relatability
The hub is staffed by mentors like Alicia Green, who, at 21, relates closely to the young people she assists. Green believes her age helps her connect with the attendees, allowing her to provide relatable guidance. She remarked, "It's really nice to know that you're sort of giving them that opportunity and allowing them to grow skills and grow in confidence as well."
Broader Implications
The establishment of this hub is part of a larger £45 million government initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment across the UK. In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 3.9% of 16 to 17-year-olds were reported to be not in education, employment, or training in 2025, surpassing the national average of 3.4%. The hub's location at a familiar community venue like a football ground is expected to enhance accessibility and engagement among young people.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's demoralising. You get a reply saying you haven't made it. What makes other people better than me?” — Lukas Karciauskas, Job Seeker
- “It's vital that support is flexible, accessible, and delivered in places young people trust,” — Tara Lynch, Customer Service Leader
- “You just have to stay strong," he said.” — Joseph Lucak, Job Seeker
- “The foundation and the football club are working really closely together to bring people into this amazing environment, and where people feel relaxed and able to talk to our members of staff.” — Jamie Jones, Chair of Trustees, PUF
The youth employment hub at Peterborough United aims to provide essential support and resources to young job seekers, fostering a sense of community and hope in a challenging job market.
