Unlock Your Future: How 250+ Young People Discovered High-Demand Careers at This Game-Changing Event

Hundreds of Young People Explore New Opportunities at North East Careers Event

Hundreds of young people have explored new opportunities at a careers event that could shape their professional futures.

Event Details and Participation

The Sector Pathways event took place on Thursday, February 26, at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium and saw 253 young people engage directly with employers. This gathering was designed to introduce young people to apprenticeship and technical education options while highlighting the skills and qualifications needed for well-paid careers in the region.

Key Sectors and Employers Present

Sectors represented included:

• Clean energy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Digital
• Health
• Construction

Businesses at the event included Draken, Balfour Beatty, Wilton Engineering, and Katmex, along with many other major regional employers.

First-Hand Experience from Attendees

Ethan, a 17-year-old attendee from Hartlepool, shared his experience: "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."

Support Services Available

The National Careers Service was present to offer individual guidance to young people and parents, providing personalized advice about career pathways.

Strategic Timing and Regional Impact

The timing of the event comes ahead of National Careers Week (March 2-7), which aims to celebrate careers guidance and help young people identify and get excited about their future career paths.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen emphasized the importance of such events: "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."

Broader Educational Context

The event is part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s broader effort to connect young people with skills and training opportunities in the region. Cllr Lisa Evans, TVCA cabinet member for education, employment and skills, noted: "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."

Comprehensive Participation

A wide range of businesses and organizations took part in the event, including:

• AECOM, Altrad, Anglo American, ARUP
• Beyond Housing, Cleveland Police, Darchem Engineering
• Intelect UK Ltd, Navy, Paralloy Ltd, PX, RAF
• SES Engineering, Steelbenders, Technip Energies, and Thirteen Group

Colleges, training providers, and support services were also in attendance, such as:

• Hartlepool College of FE, Middlesbrough College C/TTE
• NETA, Stockton Riverside College, Redcar & Cleveland College (ETC)
• Teesside University, and National Careers Service

For more information about career opportunities and training routes in the Tees Valley, visit the Careers Hub - Work.