Trailblazer scheme is launchpad into work for young Tees Valley talent
FEATURE
Future-proofing – Nordic’ s Callum Graham has taken part in the Youth Trailblazer Scheme.
READY FOR LIFT-OFF
Trailblazer scheme is launchpad into work for young Tees Valley talent
After the success of the first cohort of the Youth Trailblazer Scheme in Stockton-on-Tees and across the Tees Valley, a new wave of young people has been given the opportunity to get the experience they need for the job they want.
Launched in 2025, the Trailblazer is funded by the UK government and offers high-quality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions for young people aged 18 to 21 across the region who are currently not in work, education or training, helping them to build experience, confidence and a pathway into lasting employment.
Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said:“ The Trailblazer is providing real, sustained opportunities to step into skilled work and grow with successful local employers. It is a good example of what can happen when local partners work together to back our young people.
“ By giving them practical skills, realworld experience and qualifications, we’ re helping them take that next step into lasting employment.
“ I’ m passionate about continuing to create these pathways because every young person deserves the chance to thrive here in Tees Valley.
“ I’ d encourage more companies to take part, so even more young people can build their confidence, their experience and their future in our region.”
There have been success stories from across the length and breadth of the Tees Valley.
And Stockton-on-Tees has seen its fair share, too, with employees and businesses benefitting from the programme.
Mark Cawley, chief executive officer at RS Industrial Services, said:“ The Youth Trailblazer has given us enthusiastic, workready young people who are prepared for the workplace.”
Based in Billingham, RS Industrial Services offers services, maintenance, installation and repair of cranes and lifting equipment alongside accredited safety training and equipment sales for industrial sectors.
Mark added:“ We’ re given the support we need for the programme to be successful from a business perspective, but also from the perspective of the young person looking for experience in the industry.”
Emily Williams, learner and employer engagement officer at Nordic, said:“ This has given our Youth Trailblazers the opportunity to get their foot in the door and some real life experience on the job, but it also allows us to increase capacity in the team and take on more work.”
Based in central Stockton, Nordic is a specialist provider of a range of engineering-related training and testing with a focus on welding but also covering industrial cleaning, anti-graffiti coatings and environmental maintenance services.
Samantha Reed is business operations manager at BA Joinery – a joinery manufacturer based in Stockton-on-Tees that offers bespoke office furniture fit out across the UK.
Samantha said:“ We’ ve been given access to motivated young people within the local area, which has allowed us to grow our team.
“ It gives the young people valuable experience in the manufacturing sector with us, helping them to progress towards their own career goals.”
The scheme has been overseen by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the region’ s other local authorities.
To find out more information on the programme, visit teesvalley-ca. gov. uk / business / business-growth-support / workforce-skills / youthguarantee-trailblazer /
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