Teesworks, Teamwork And Technology: Hundreds Of Pupils Take On Successful Enterprise Challenge

More than 600 pupils have taken part in another successful enterprise challenge to flex their design muscles.

The fifth annual SEND Enterprise Challenge week saw no fewer than 606 pupils from 10 schools take on tasks and meet major employers.

The 11 to 24-year-olds with special educational needs and learning disabilities all heard about opportunities from a wide range of employers and organisations including Altrad, our region’s local colleges and Teesworks.

One of this year’s challenges was to build a structure which could hold a 1kg bag of sugar and move across a stage and use recycled materials to make models.

A total of 120 students took on the challenge at Teesworks Skills Academy for a Next Steps Day.

When it came to the prizes, the structure challenge saw awards for “Most Successful Structure” went to Priory Woods Post 16 site, Middlesbrough, while the “The Most Creative Use of Recycled Materials” went to the Abbey Hill Fairfax Site, Stockton.

The Award for “Best Strapline and Logo” went to Abbey Hill Main Site, and the award for “Most Imaginative presentation” was taken by Catcote 6^th Form, class S2.

The Combined Authority gave out a number of other awards for the week including:

• Awarded for Amazing Communication Skills x 2: Abbey Hill Northshore site & Priory Woods Post-16 team
• Award for Amazing Creative Skills: Catcote Academy Class Link 2
• Award for Excellent Teamwork Skills x 2: Beaumont Hill Academy & KTS Academy
• Award for Excellent Listening Skills: Clervaux Garden School
• Award for Excellent Problem-Solving Skills: Kirkleatham Hall School
• Award for Excellent Positivity x 2: Beverely School & Catcote Sixth Form Class S2
• Award for Best Class Scrapbook: Priory Woods Upper School
• Award for Most Enthusiastic Class: Discovery Specialist Academy

Altrad’s involvement in the project was led by Jamie Yarker – Contract Manager for the company.

He said: “This is the third year Altrad have been involved in the TVCA Enterprise Challenge Week, and it honestly gets better every year.

“It is clear to see the effort that goes into making the week a success, and the Celebration Day is the icing on the cake.  You can feel the excitement and positivity in the air during the event, and it’s certainly infectious.

“The structures shown on stage and follow up presentations given by the project teams are absolutely amazing, and you can see the young people’s confidence and communication skills improving as the week goes on.

“Well done to everyone involved.”

The initiative is co-ordinated via the Tees Valley Careers Hub and funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company with the support of sponsorship from Altrad.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Events like the SEND Enterprise Challenge are exactly what we need to make sure everyone benefits as we transform our region.

“Our young people involved have shown amazing creativity, drive and problem-solving – and they’re proof that talent is everywhere.

“It’s why we’re investing in skills at places like the Teesworks Skills Academy – so every young person, no matter their background, can take advantage of the new jobs and opportunities we’re creating right here across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Matthew Oates, Altrad Business Unit Director – North East and Humber, said: “It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel who had the pleasure and very difficult task of picking the winners from Challenge Week 2025.

“The presentations and structures that were showcased were amazing and the young people should be immensely proud of their achievements. What a way to start the week!”