Sky’s The Limit For Trailblazer Tyler As He Learns The Ropes At Growing Darlington Firm

A Darlington teenager is learning the ropes and thriving in his role at a growing firm thanks to a helping hand from a jobs programme.

Tyler Alexander was seeking work after leaving college last year and got a foot in the door at Hightech Industrial Access with the support of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme.

Three months in, the 19-year-old is loving his work at Hightech – and he now has the potential to take his fledgling career international in the months and years ahead.

Tyler said: “It’s an amazing job. With the opportunities I’ve been getting from James and all the people working here, I couldn’t be any luckier.

“I was not expecting this to be honest. It was a scare but a good one. I’ve never really had an opportunity like this and it’s amazing.”

Based in Darlington, Hightech is an industrial access firm which provides a raft of services in different industries covering construction, renewable energy, engineering, shipyards, and petrochemical sites to name but a few.

The company specialises in accessing tough conditions at height and in confined spaces using ropes and platforms for jobs ranging from maintenance and construction, to decommissioning and inspections.

Hightech has grown since beginning trading in 2021 and its teams now work across three continents – with bases in Ghana and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s not for the faint of heart and you need a decent head for heights,” said James Somers, Director of Hightech Industrial Access.

James explained Hightech had always been keen to get more young people into work at the firm.

Tyler had no trouble abseiling down a 60-metre building early in his placement.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

“Tyler’s been fantastic,” said James.

“He was recommended to me through Steve Winterburn, at Darlington Borough Council, and came to us for a taster session prior to enrolling on the Trailblazer programme.

“He was here for the day with Jordan, his supervisor on site.

“Jordan just got him on the ropes, had him do a few things and he phoned me up to say: “Employ him – he’s brilliant”.

“We were building mezzanines in October and for anything we needed assistance with, he was there.

“If we needed a hammer, he already had it in his hand before we even had to ask for it. He was just so proactive with everything he was doing – he can read and judge what you need on site.

“He’s just a really, really good asset to the company.”

The Hightech team is now running Tyler through different qualifications at the firm.

And James explained how there was an opportunity to get him working overseas.

“It’ll be perfect for him when we need holiday cover,” he said.

“We’ve got five guys in Saudi Arabia, and we need to start planning for situations where any of one of them wants to leave the project.

“By training the likes of Tyler to be in the next group, he’s available to work in Saudi Arabia.

“If he continues doing what he has for us, he really has got a great opportunity working for Hightech.”

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).

Funded by the UK Government, it 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.

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.

James said the programme had been easy to get involved in – and more straightforward than some other employment programmes.

He added: “If anyone’s looking to expand or they can’t, especially with minimum wage rates being continuously increased, it’s good. For a small business wanting to grow, or wanting to take on an apprentice or another worker, getting that assistance with the payroll burden massively helps.

“I’d recommend it to any company – and not necessarily just small companies, large companies, too.

“Also, by taking someone on through the Trailblazer programme, you’re helping get people into work – you’re helping the next generation get started.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is exactly what the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is about – backing our young people and giving them a real start with ambitious local firms like Hightech.

“Tyler has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, and in just a few months he’s already showing the kind of drive and talent our businesses need.

“By taking the pressure off employers and opening doors into skilled work, this programme is making a difference right now – helping young people build proper careers and giving companies the confidence to invest in the next generation.”

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

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “Tyler’s story shows what happens when the right support meets the right attitude.

“The Trailblazer is giving young people the chance to gain confidence, skills and real workplace experience, while helping employers like Hightech grow and plan for the future.

“We’re already seeing the impact across our region, and I’d encourage more businesses and young people to get involved and make the most of these opportunities.”

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government.

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