Star Tees Valley Apprentices Lead The Way As Figures Show Region On The Up

Figures show our region is one of the country’s strongest performers in offering apprenticeships as a week to celebrate their importance gets underway.

Running throughout this week, National Apprenticeship Week shines a light on the huge value of apprenticeships for individuals, employers and the wider economy, showcasing how to earn while you learn and how they can open doors to skilled, well-paid careers.

The latest data shows Tees Valley continues to outperform national averages. In 2023 to 2024, 11% of pupils in our region went on to apprenticeships after completing 16-18 education, compared with 6.9% nationally.

During 2024/25 there were 4,820 apprenticeship starts across our region – one of the highest rates of apprenticeship starts per head of population in the country, with 1,108 per 100,000 people compared with 959 nationally.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to shout loudly about something we’re doing really well here on Teesside. These figures show apprenticeships are giving our young people a genuine route into skilled work, while also helping our businesses get the talent they need to grow.

“We’ve worked hard to put apprenticeships front and centre of our skills offer and the results speak for themselves. This is about creating opportunity, raising aspirations and making sure local people can build rewarding careers without having to leave our region.”

Tees Valley also ranks second out of the 12 devolved Mayoral areas nationwide for both apprenticeship starts and achievements.

More than half of apprenticeships in 2024 to 2025 were started by people under the age of 25, while almost a third of achievements were in health, public services and care, closely followed by business, administration and law.

At Darlington-based Latimer Hinks Solicitors, 19-year-old Ben Sanderson is working as an Apprentice Business Administration Assistant while completing his NVQ Level 3.

David Laud, Chief Operating Officer at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, said: “Ben has been a stand-out appointment for the firm with his maturity, reliability and openness to approaching new challenges.

“Having joined us at just 18, he has demonstrated professionalism, faultless timekeeping, and an outstanding work ethic. What truly differentiates Ben is his attitude. He is consistently supportive of colleagues, caring and attentive with clients, and approaches every task with enthusiasm and commitment.”

Redcar-based Samuel Moore Roofing has also seen big benefits.

Nathan Binnall, 33, joined the business as an Apprentice Roofer after making a major career change to spend more time with his young family.

Director Samuel Moore said: “Nathan made a big step into the construction industry later than most, but he has taken to roofing like a duck to water.

“He has quickly become a natural team leader, delivering exceptional work to a high standard and setting a strong example on site. His attitude and commitment were recognised nationally when he was Highly Commended at the BMI Apprentice of the Year Awards.”

Through the Apprentice Levy Matching Service, the Tees Valley Combined Authority has helped eight major organisations, including BP and the BBC, pledge £965,000 to support apprenticeships locally.

This is a free service which helps match levy payers who want to transfer unspent funds with other local Tees Valley businesses who are looking to take on apprentices. It is paid by larger employers and can be shared to help cover the cost of apprenticeship training.

To date, almost £800,000 has been matched and committed through the service, helping 15 Tees Valley businesses support 61 apprentices.

One of those is Leon Roe, 26, who works as an Apprentice Response Team Engineer at Bondgate IT Services in Darlington, completing a Level 4 Networking apprenticeship.

Adam Pevie from Bondgate IT Services was full of praise for Leon’s impact.

He added: “Leon is extremely personable, listens and understands users’ issues, and follows our core values to the letter.

“His growth and development have been incredible. Leon is now helping develop other apprentices in the business and has taken a proactive approach to improving our technical service desk, which has already delivered real results.”

Cllr Lisa Evans, TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills and Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said: “Apprenticeships are changing lives across Tees Valley, whether that’s young people starting out or adults retraining and progressing in new careers.

“The successes here and across the length and breadth of our region show how powerful this route can be when employers and those seeking work are properly supported.

“National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to celebrate that success and we always want to encourage more businesses, residents and young people to get involved.”

For businesses looking find out more about apprenticeship support, go to: Apprenticeships – Business

Residents can search and apply for apprenticeships via Tees Valley Jobs at: Home – Tees Valley Jobs