Tees Skills Issue 1 | Page 35

WHEN SOMETHING NEW COMES UP ,

SAY YES . creative spaces and opportunities to explore and collaborate .

SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITIES , EVEN WHEN THEY SCARE YOU
Anxious about making choices ? I ’ m not surprised - you have so many options . But just keep moving forward and see what happens ! Nothing is forever and you never know what ' s around the corner .
When something new comes up , say yes . Even if it scares you . Fear usually means you ’ re growing . And Teesside is full of opportunities that can help you step out of your comfort zone .
YOUR FIRST JOB WON ’ T BE YOUR LAST
Think your first job has to be perfect ? It doesn ’ t . Here in Teesside , you have the freedom to explore .
There ’ s a place for you here – says former Tees Businesswoman of the Year Claire Preston .
Join local groups : there are plenty of youth and career groups on Teesside where you can meet likeminded people .
Talk to teachers and professionals : they often have connections that can help you find the right path .
Find a role model or mentor : is there someone you admire in business for what they ’ ve achieved ? Think about why and how you could learn from them or aspire to do what they do . Find a mentor who will help inspire , motivate and challenge you to reach your goals .
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN TEESSIDE
I ’ m proud to be working with two local organisations that are making a real impact . As head of operations for Power of Women , I ’ m determined to support equality and ambition across our region . We want every young person , regardless of gender or background , to have the chance to shine .
As chair of the Halo Project , I ’ m working with an amazing team focused on improving the lives of victims of abuse and ensuring safety and inclusivity for all students . I want every young person on Teesside ( and beyond ) to feel safe and supported , so they can thrive and reach their full potential .
Why don ’ t you think about getting involved with volunteering ? You really do get a lot out of it – including skills and meeting new people . Who knows where it might lead ?
TEESSIDE IS CHANGING – AND SO CAN YOU
I didn ’ t realise all the options here when I was making choices about my future . But now , there ’ s so much more information and opportunity .
Teesside is evolving , and you can be a part of that change . You don ’ t have to leave to find success . There ’ s plenty of it right here - you just have to decide what that looks like for you .
Apprenticeships : Combine work and study , earn while you learn and get hands-on experience in various fields .
Work experience : Short-term work placements help you figure out what you like and don ’ t like . Find out how to access support for this - there are great charities like High Tide Foundation who can help .
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
SO REMEMBER …
You don ’ t have to go far to find amazing opportunities . Teesside is full of them .
Be curious , explore what ’ s available and know that the perfect path for you might be closer than you think . Whether you ’ re into tech , art , engineering or business , there ’ s a place for you here .
Your future is what you make it — so why not make it on Teesside ? Good luck with whatever you choose !
Networking is key . And it ’ s not as scary as it sounds .
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