NEWS
Options – High Tide trustee Kirsten Donkin , of PD Ports .
Core message – The foundation ’ s general manager Lauren Bywater . its different routes and journeys into job roles .
“ There ’ s a traditional misconception that apprenticeships are a valid route only into certain industries , but that ’ s not the case any more .
“ On the contrary , apprenticeships are the best way into the industries such as digital and creative these days .”
Kirsten agrees : “ Apprentices are the lifeblood of our business at PD Ports . Many of our apprentices have progressed to higher education qualifications while with the business and have progressed to chartered status within their chosen discipline .
“ We are finding that the word is spreading and now it ’ s the potential apprentices who are having to change their parents ’ minds and convince them that an apprenticeship is a good route for them .”
With parents having influence over their children ’ s decision making , and many still seeing apprenticeships as a lesser alternative to further education , High Tide recognises the importance of involving families .
“ We aim to bridge the gap and bring the whole family on board as part of the learning process , so that parents can be better informed to help their children ,” says Kirsten . “ We are committed to inspiring all young people and promoting greater levels of diversity and inclusion , challenging stereotypes and working closely with positive role models to deliver our programmes .
“ Statistics say that by the age of 14 young people have already decided what they can and can ’ t do . We want to tell our youngsters they can achieve whatever they want to , regardless of their backgrounds or gender .”
High Tide programmes cover eight sectors – finance , engineering , sport , law , creative , media , digital businesses and employability . Via a virtual learning hub , students can view a series of bitesize videos before signing up for a one or three-day course of their choice .
There ’ s no limit to the number of programmes a student can try . The only stipulation is that they finish their course and gain their certificate before moving on .
Lauren says : “ Our programmes allow young people to
“ Our fantastic corporate partners donate money each year to contribute towards the core funding and running costs of High Tide .”
Corporate partners have a go , to see what type of tasks will be expected of them in a certain industry , to learn about their strengths and weaknesses and , more importantly , identify what they do and don ’ t like .”
A handful of very interested students will be offered the chance to go on a physical tour within their chosen sector when restrictions allow , and those who have completed a programme have their own alumni group on LinkedIn .
They are also invited to follow High Tide and the companies who have hosted their programme , which means a heads-up on company developments – including , of course , new jobs .
“ Our programmes introduce students to people who went to top universities , those who were unemployed for a few years before they found their feet or those who went straight to jobs or who took up apprenticeships ,” explains Lauren .
“ By hearing all those different journeys , young people can start to pick out similarities with themselves and think that this could be the route for them .”
In short , High Tide equips young people with everything they need when deciding between further education and diving straight into their working career .
“ We have all the opportunities and resources to help them make that decision ," says Lauren .
Our young people need you !
Could your business do its bit to inspire the next generation by helping High Tide in this vital work ?
“ We all have a part to play ,” insists Kirsten . “ We need to stand up and be counted and being part of the High Tide Foundation is a great way of showing young people what ’ s here for them in Teesside . “ It ’ s also a great way to future-proof your business and plan for future growth and success . By being involved with High Tide you can inspire the next generation and create a positive perception of careers in our region , showing you don ’ t need to leave the area to succeed .”
“ We ’ d love to hear from people – not just the CEO , but apprentices or young people who work at these firms who can tell us their story ,” says Lauren .
“ There will be many people reading Tees Business who have great stories to tell and this is such a wonderful opportunity to reinforce messages about the different options and choices .
“ The future success of our region and our young people is in our gift to shape and influence ,” adds Kirsten .
“ We all need to play our role , regardless of how great or small that contribution of support might be – so get in touch and get involved !”
Hightidefoundation . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 107