Youth Progression Adviser (Trailblazer)

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to young people’s lives by supporting them into education, employment, or training.

Fixed Term until 31 March 2027

Three Full-Time Equivalent Posts based in South Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City and Huntingdon.

Cambridgeshire County Council is excited to be recruiting Youth Trailblazer Advisers to join our newly established Youth Progression and Transitions Team, supporting young people into education, employment, and training.

You will work directly with young people aged 18–21 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at risk of becoming NEET, with some preventative work for those aged 15–18. You will offer tailored one‑to‑one support, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and progress into positive opportunities.

These roles are funded by the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer project, delivered in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. You will be part of a developing and innovative programme designed to improve outcomes for young people across the county.

Post-holders will be based in district locations and will work in close collaboration with schools, colleges, training providers, Jobcentre Plus, and other partner agencies.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 26 February 2026.

If you would like any further information please contact: Mark Cowdell – mark.cowdell@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

What will you be doing?

• Provide personalised one‑to‑one support to young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.
• Assess needs, identify barriers to participation, and co-design tailored support plans.
• Deliver high‑quality information and advice to help young people re-engage with learning, employment or training.
• Work with schools, colleges, training providers and employers to support retention in post‑16 learning.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with service processes.
• Contribute to the delivery of key performance indicators for both the project and the wider service.

About you

Personal Qualities

• Motivated and committed to supporting young people and their families to achieve positive outcomes.
• Able to build strong, trusting relationships with young people and a range of professionals.
• Organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage your workload effectively.
• A confident communicator, able to engage with diverse audiences using a range of methods.
• Able to manage challenging situations professionally and maintain boundaries.
• Willing to participate in ongoing learning and development.

Skills & Experience

• Experience of working with young people facing complex or multiple barriers.
• Understanding of education, employment and training pathways.
• Evidence of effective partnership working across agencies.
• Good working knowledge of safeguarding and relevant legislation.
• Awareness of Jobcentre Plus, DWP processes, and young people’s benefits.
• Ability to produce accurate, high‑quality records and assessments.

You will be required to hold a full and valid driving license and have access to a vehicle or have the ability to otherwise travel efficiently between locations, both countywide and beyond.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our benefits

We value our colleagues in Cambridgeshire County Council and have developed a number of benefits in addition to the basics like annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage…

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family
• Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro-rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
• Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network
• Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards
• An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in-store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes

Take a look at our Employment Benefits Brochure attached to this advert to find out more.