‘It’s Been A Wonderful Experience’: Trailblazing Trio Finding Feet At Growing Businesses

A trio of young talents have hit the ground running at a Teesside firm with a helping hand from a jobs programme.

Winnie House, Nathan Walker and Aman Sanju have all joined Network Notwork, in Wynyard, through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.

And the three have already picked up a wide range of skills and benefited in different ways from their hands-on experience in the workplace.

Led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer offers high-quality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions for young people across the region helping them to build experience, confidence, and a pathway into lasting employment.

Network Notwork is a free, not-for-profit organisation which promotes business growth, creates supportive connections and offers a co-working space for events, networking and collaboration for business owners and entrepreneurs.

Winnie House, 20, works as a Business Administration Apprentice for the firm, as well as running her side business, Friendship – making small bespoke pin badges.

“This is the happiest place I’ve ever been in – I love being here,” she said.

Winnie’s career took her to the Northern School of Art studying illustration and animation before she entered the world of work.

After falling out of a job, the Trailblazer offered her the chance she needed.

Following two weeks of training on the programme, she took on a six-month placement at the firm’s Wynyard base and has settled in well with the team.

Winnie added: “I’m more chatty now – I used to be such a shy person, but, over time, I’ve really come out of my shell.”

The advice and support she’s received has also benefited her side hustle.

Winnie added: “When you’re struggling to find a job, and you don’t know much about having your own business, it can be really confusing because you don’t know where to start.

“But I think this has armed me with what I need to go out and do it.”

When it came to the programme, she urged others to take on the challenge.

“It’s a massive chance,” Winnie added.

“If I didn’t join the Trailblazer, I don’t know if I’d have a job right now because the market is so difficult at the moment. I was awfully lucky that this came to me because it gives you a chance to prove yourself.”

Stockton’s Aman has also picked up valuable experience in digital creation and marketing in his role.

“We work as a team and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” he added.

“AI has been rising prominently and learning these AI tools will like help me more in the future.”

Meanwhile, Nathan, from Norton, has been working in video editing and digital marketing after being made redundant from his previous role.

He said: “I was out of work for six months finishing a qualification and no one really wanted to take me on because I was at college at the same time – as I wouldn’t have been working a full five days.

“I feel a lot happier here – I’m actually learning a lot and gaining experience.

“I’ve learned a lot of new skills and used applications I’ve not been able to use before. I’m using expensive software that I haven’t used before and learning all that and the insides of it.”

He also found the Trailblazer sign-up process straightforward.

Nathan said: “It was just a couple of forms and sheets to fill in and then I was emailed saying I’ve been taken on to do the training course for two weeks.

“When you come here, everyone’s so supportive – they’re willing to give you that experience.

“I’ve not been here for too long, but I feel like I’ve already learnt so much from everyone here.”

Funded by the UK Government, the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is open to applications from young people aged 18 to 21 who are not in education, employment, or training, and are living in Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees).

For employers, wages for the three and six-month work placements are fully funded to keep financial costs to businesses as low as possible. It can also include up to £2,500 grants towards certified training, qualifications and upskilling – as well as targeted workforce and skills development support.

Network Notwork was started in January 2024 by husband-and-wife team Michael and Kat Carruthers, who wanted a networking group which was more informal and linked to the community.

Michael explained the Trailblazer had allowed them to offer hands-on, relevant experience to those taking part.

“It’s great applying for a position, but that might not be something they want to do, or what they need skills in,” he added.

“It’s trying to give them a wider opportunity to learn a much wider skill set.

“If you’re doing a job, it normally requires several different skills, not just one.”

He also explained how it was giving to a generation who may have lost out on part of their education during the covid pandemic, as well as supporting businesses with costs.

Michael said: “As a programme to help young people, I think it’s amazing because it gives the employers some flexibility in terms of training them up, and it gives them flexibility in terms of getting them able to do work.”

The scheme is being led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Kat said the Trailblazer offered a more level playing field when it came to securing work – particularly for those who may not have access to a broad network of contacts.

She added: “To me, having a three-month placement and a six-month placement gives you that opportunity to grow and develop.

“And that’s what I’ve seen with the young people that we’ve got now.

“From those months ago when they first started, it makes me really proud that they’ve had that opportunity. To see them grow, to change and grow in confidence, I’ve absolutely loved.”

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Stories like this show exactly why the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer matters. Winnie, Nathan and Aman have all been given the chance to prove what they can do, build real skills and gain confidence, while a growing organisation like Network Notwork gets fresh talent and new ideas.

“This is about opening doors for young people and giving our businesses the support they need to invest in them, so everyone benefits.”

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “It’s brilliant to see how much progress these young people have made in such a short space of time in our borough.

“The Trailblazer is helping to level the playing field by giving young people practical experience, support and encouragement, while also helping employers nurture talent that might otherwise be overlooked. That combination is already making a real difference.”

For young people wanting more information on the programme and to sign up follow this link.

For businesses wanting more information and to sign up to provide a placement, follow this link

For FAQs, go here: Youth Trailblazer FAQs – Work