Hundreds Of Young People Explore Career Pathways And Job Prospects At Riverside Stadium Event

Hundreds of young people have had a first-hand look at the huge range of career opportunities in our region at a major jobs and careers event.

The Sector Pathways event at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Thursday (26 February) brought together employers, training providers and support organisations to show routes into growing industries including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital, health and construction.

No fewer than 253 young people connected with businesses including Teesside Airport-based Draken, Balfour Beatty, Wilton Engineering, and Katmex.

Ethan, 17, from Hartlepool, took away some handy information on careers in mechanical and electrical engineering.

He said: “I learned Draken had a system in place for work experience – which I’ll definitely follow up on.

“I’m now much more aware of who they are and what they do. It’s widened my perspective – opportunities like this give you an understanding of the diverse range of roles you can go into.”

Attendees were able to speak directly with employers, explore apprenticeships and technical education options, and learn what skills and qualifications are needed to access high-quality, well-paid careers across our region.

The National Careers Service was also on hand to offer one-to-one talks with young people and parents.

It comes ahead of National Careers Week next week (2 March to 7 March) which looks to celebrate careers guidance and aims to provide help to support young people develop their awareness and excitement about their future paths.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people and their families engaging with brilliant local employers and learning about the major opportunities right here at home.

“We have many different paths into great jobs in a wide range of industries growing fast across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Our region is attracting huge investment and creating thousands of jobs, and it’s crucial our young people know they have the skills, support and routes to take them.

“We want our young people to build great careers here at home. That’s why getting top employers in the room with local talent at events like this really matters.”

Cllr Lisa Evans, TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills and Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “The turnout and engagement at the Riverside really shows how important it is to bring together employers, educators and young people.

“Clear information on career routes is absolutely crucial and it’s great we’re helping young people make informed choices about their futures by linking them up with our major employers and colleges.

“We have industries expanding rapidly and this is about making sure our local people are at the front of the line to benefit.”

The Sector Pathways event is part of the Combined Authority’s wider work to connect young people with local skills and training opportunities, ensuring the region’s workforce is ready to meet the demands of its growing industries.

Businesses and organisations who attended included:

AECOM, Altrad, Anglo American, ARUP, Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall, Beyond Housing, Boulby Underground Laboratory | UK Research and Innovation (STFC), Bridge Creative, Cleveland Police, Darchem Engineering, Draken, Intelect UK Ltd, Katmex, Navy, Paralloy Ltd, PX, RAF, SES Engineering, Steelbenders, Technip Energies, Teesside Airport & TVCA, Thirteen Group, Wilton Engineering, WSP, Hartlepool College of FE, Middlesbrough College C/TTE, NETA, Stockton Riverside College, Redcar & Cleveland College (ETC), Learning Curve, Teesside University, National Careers Service, Darlington College, Bridge Creative, Prior Pursglove/SSFC, Stockton Sixth Form College.

To find out more about career opportunities across the Tees Valley and explore apprenticeship and training routes, visit: Careers Hub – Work