Get the experience you need for the job you want.
Tees Valley’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is open to applications from young people aged 18-21 who are not in education, employment, and/ or training (NEET), and are living in Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees).
We will act as a gateway to match young people with the right work placement based on their skills sets and your business needs.
Your business won’t need to recruit for candidates, but you will have the option to undertake your own application process which could include submitting a CV and covering letter and attending an interview.
Participants will also be matched with a dedicated key worker who will offer pre-placement support to equip them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the role. Key workers will be on hand throughout the placement to offer support and advice, including help to access education and training opportunities.
For the three- and six-month work placements participants will be paid at the National Minimum Wage rate. This is currently at £10 per hour for those aged 18-20, and £12.21 per hour for those aged 21+.
Wages will be subsidised so there is no financial cost to your business.
Employer bursaries are available to identify dedicated work-based mentors within your team who can support young people on unpaid work taster sessions.
The paid work placements do not guarantee a job at the end of the placement but should be designed by employers to equip participants with the relevant skills and experiences needed to secure future job or training opportunities in their chosen area of interest, which could include your business.
Tees Valley’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is running from spring 2025 until the end of March 2026. All paid placements are expected to start by September / October 2025.
Although this is a one-year programme, the Youth Trailblazer is just the beginning of a longer-term plan to make sure that everyone living in Tees Valley can access a good and progressive job and is backed by the right support and training to help achieve their career and employment ambitions.
It’s not just about providing positive experiences for young people. Your business will also benefit from targeted workforce and skills development support to make sure you have access to a readily available skilled workforce, now and in the future.
This could include:
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