EVENTS
STEP UP FOR TEESSIDE
Businesses urged to inspire the region’ s next generation as Tees Skills Careers Fair returns
If your business says it cares about skills, recruitment and the future of Teesside, this is the event where you prove it. Businesses across the Tees region are being urged to secure their place at the 2026 Tees Skills Careers Fair, following a hugely successful launch that saw almost 600 young people pack Middlesbrough FC’ s Riverside Stadium to meet employers, explore career opportunities and hear from inspiring business leaders.
The response from schools, colleges and education trusts exceeded all expectations, with organisers inundated by requests from institutions eager to bring their students.
One senior leader at a major Tees Valley education trust said:“ I think you’ ve really tapped into something that schools and trusts are crying out for.”
Now, organisers believe it’ s the business community’ s turn to respond.
The second annual careers fair, organised by Resolution Media and Publishing – publisher of Tees Business and Tees Skills – returns to the Riverside Stadium on Thursday, December 3, bringing together hundreds of ambitious 14 – 18-yearolds with employers, apprenticeship providers, colleges and industry leaders.
Last year’ s exhibitors included Paralloy,
CF Fertilisers, Wilton Engineering, Intelect, Esh Group, Azets, Muckle, Teesside University, Middlesbrough College, Tracerco, Moonrise, Outrank, Devereux Transport & Distribution, the RAF, Teesside Hospice and many more.
But this is about far more than promoting businesses.
It is about inspiring a generation, tackling the skills shortages employers face and showing young people they can build outstanding careers without leaving the Tees Valley.
Dave Allan, director of Resolution Media and Publishing, said:“ Last year’ s response from schools and colleges proved there’ s a huge appetite among young people to discover the opportunities available on their doorstep.
“ Now we’ re asking businesses to match that enthusiasm.
“ Every employer talks about recruitment challenges. Here’ s an opportunity to engage directly with hundreds of bright, motivated young people before they make some of the biggest decisions of their lives.
“ But this is about more than recruitment. It’ s about businesses standing together to inspire the next generation and showing them they have a future here. If we want a stronger Tees Valley economy in ten years’ time, we all have a part to play today.”
Building on the success of the annual Tees Skills publication, the event will feature dozens of employer and training provider stands, inspirational speakers from sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing, construction, maritime and professional services, plus interactive workshops designed to prepare young people for the world of work.
Every student will receive a Future Starter Kit Bag, sponsored by the North East STEM Foundation.
Martin Walker, fellow director of Resolution Media and Publishing, added:“ Every business depends on the next generation. This is an opportunity not simply to promote your organisation but to make a genuine difference. The conversation you have with a young person at this event could help shape their future.”
Exhibition stands are available from £ 300, with sponsorship opportunities including Headline Sponsor, Refresh Zone, Networking Lounge and Digital Zone.
Businesses wanting to invest in the region’ s future workforce while raising their profile are encouraged to book early.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 129