Tees Business #4 | Page 26

CHARITY FEATURE 26 | Tees Business Going port-toport to Rotterdam Inspiring and empowering the Teesside of tomorrow Local charitable foundation, High Tide, continues to raise awareness of its work on Teesside, bringing together industry and education across the region. A nd, after a successful year of record member numbers and participants, they are gearing up for a promising 2016. Based in Middlesbrough, The High Tide Foundation set out to inspire young people on Teesside to seek out meaningful employment in the port and maritime industry. This is done through a series of programmes and experiences, all designed to spark enthusiasm and give insight into the world of work. With unemployment so high within the region, they strive to change attitudes and make a difference by demonstrating the opportunities available to aspirational youngsters. High Tide is a totally independent foundation, managed by a board of trustees from both industry and education. In just three years they have attracted over 60 member companies and are now working with 30 schools across Teesside. Over the past year they have managed to engage with more than 1,000 students, providing 200 weeks’ worth of work experience placements for 100 young people in 50 different companies. With a plan to double these figures in 2016, they held their first annual fundraising ball in September, raising over £24,000 towards future programmes. The programmes delivered through High Tide not only provide real life experiences but also give participants the chance to get knee deep in industry and see just what hard work it takes to make businesses work. In a bid to continue the momentum of achievements and pride in both their employees, as well as the young people taking part in High Tide programmes, the foundation is working hard to encourage companies on Teesside to get on board and help create a lasting legacy for Teesside. Twelve youngsters from schools across Teesside embarked on an exciting journey to Rotterdam as part of High Tide’s Port-to-Port programme last month. The programme itself is a unique and life changing opportunity for all involved and entails visiting companies in the UK to learn more about their industry, before experiencing how their European counterparts work across the pond. On a once-in-a-lifetime trip, students have the opportunity to learn about operations and industrial links between the ports over two days. And with visits to Hunstman and Tata Steel, they were delivered both inspirational stories and educational tours that provided them with valuable insight into what it takes to follow careers in these fields. The scheme continues to be a roaring success year on year and the Foundation are eager to highlight the types of programmes like this that are available to schools and colleges within the region. SAVE THE DATE! HIGH TIDE FUNDRAISING BALL 2016. We are holding our next High Tide Fundraising Ball on Friday 16th September 2016 in the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall. We would be delighted if you could take a table. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE SENT OUT EARLY 2016. TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]