Growing Teesside Firm Backs Trailblazer Programme To Give Our Young People A Path To Work

A leader at one of Teesside’s fastest-growing engineering firms has urged other businesses to back our region’s young people by tapping into funded work placements.

Engineering and manufacturing specialist Nordic has been a key firm involved in a number of programmes supported by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Now Managing Director Mark Roddy has called for more companies to take on support and get involved in the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme.

The programme offers businesses from a wide range of sectors the opportunity to take on young people through work tasters or paid placements. Placements are fully subsidised – so there is no cost to the business – with additional training and employer bursaries available to support the process.

Stockton-based Nordic have already supported hundreds of trainees gain employment. In 2024, the firm supported 24 local trainees with separate funding from the Adult Skills Fund and Skills Bootcamps.

This helped the delivery of an intensive 24-week full-time welding programme – giving them a robust foundation in HSE, mechanical and specialist welding disciplines to take on employment at the huge SeAH Wind monopile facility, at South Bank.

And now Nordic has pledged to join the Trailblazer programme – offering young people the opportunity to take on high-quality paid work placements and work taster sessions for those aged 18-21 who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

Mark said: “Getting hands on experience in the world of work is crucial – and we’re very pleased to be involved in the Trailblazer programme to get more young people through our doors.

“Not everyone fits into a neat box in how they learn or find their calling in the world. We’re really passionate about giving people a chance to find their feet, unlock their potential and build a career whether that’s with us or with other employers in the region.

“We have first-hand experience in seeing people grow and develop when they’re given the right opportunity and environment.  That’s why we’re proud to be supporting even more talented young people through the Trailblazer programme.

“I’d encourage other companies to get involved, see the level of support available and just see how far our young people can develop whilst adding real value in the business.”

The Trailblazer programme aims to address the shortage of work experience that often stands in the way of young people securing employment.

Tees Valley was selected last year as the location for one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers to receive up to £5million in funding to support youth employment.

The one-year programme sees our region lead the way in providing innovative ways to support people aged 18 to 21 who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET).

£3million has been put aside specifically to fund paid work placements and non-paid work sessions across the region.

Mark added: “The Trailblazer scheme offers employers an opportunity to develop the future workforce while accessing fully funded support to bring young talent into their business.

“The programme covers the cost of paid placements and provides structured support throughout. It’s a chance to make a real difference – while discovering fresh ideas and future employees in the process.”

The programme funding is also ensuring 18 and 19-year-olds, who are not in education or training, or are at risk of becoming NEET, are identified and secure support.

And the project is also working with young people in Year 13 to understand their needs and support those without positive post-18 destinations.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Time and time again we hear the same thing – young people just need that first opportunity to get their foot in the door. That’s what this Trailblazer is all about.

“It’s fantastic to see Nordic stepping up once again, backing our young people and putting real weight behind giving them a proper shot at a career.

“We’ve secured this funding to give businesses the tools to help shape the future – now I want to see even more firms getting involved, just like Nordic.

“Our region’s got the talent – we need to do everything we can to unlock it and give our young people the chance to show what they can do.”

Almost 100 firms have now pledged to take part in the programme.

Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “It’s good to see this fully funded, Government backed scheme giving school leavers more access to work experience opportunities.

“I’m really proud that a Stockton firm, Nordic, is backing our young people to move into work, providing invaluable chances to gain vital work experience.

“I’d echo Mark’s calls for more companies across the Tees Valley to get involved. If you’d like to find out how your company can be involved, please get in touch.”

To find out more about the Trailblazer, visit the Q&A below: