NEWS

Last month, over 50 students from across the Tees Valley were given a hands-on introduction to real-world careers at the inaugural Supply Chain Futures Work Experience Discovery Day, hosted at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Delivered by RTC North as part of the Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme, the event brought education and industry together to tackle a key regional challenge: building a future-ready workforce equipped with the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to enter high-growth sectors.

Students from Years 7 to 11 engaged directly with employers through a series of interactive, sector-led activities, designed to move beyond traditional careers advice and provide genuine insight into working life.

The day featured a rotating programme of practical sessions across:

• Digital & Tech
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Maritime & Green Energy
• Aerospace

Participants also heard from young professionals already working in industry, took part in employer showcases, and joined an “Ask the Expert” session, giving them the opportunity to ask honest questions about career pathways, entry routes, and workplace expectations.

Leading employers including Willis Aviation, SEAH Wind, JBA, Darby Tech, and RTC North delivered sessions throughout the day, offering a first-hand look at the industries shaping the Tees Valley economy.

The event was further strengthened by contributions from exhibitors including Layla Scurr (A&N Consulting) and Alex D (Calm Digital), who shared practical insights into their career journey and roles which engaged directly with students on the skills required to succeed in the sector.

Alex D at Calm Digital commented:

“I really enjoyed the day, and it was an honour to meet the young people who are still at school. I hope that sharing my journey, including the challenges I’ve faced along the way, can inspire some of them. I also appreciated the opportunity to speak at the event, and I believe it was valuable for the students to hear from Layla and Abigail. I strongly believe apprenticeships offer significant value to young people, providing hands-on learning and real insight into what it’s like to work in the industry.”

Additional organisations including Tees Valley Lithium, Teesside University, Cleveland Police, and FALCK showcased the breadth of opportunities available across the region, reinforcing the diversity of career pathways open to young people.

Crucially, the event supports Gatsby Benchmark 6, ensuring students gain meaningful encounters with employers, helping schools deliver high-quality careers education aligned with real industry needs.

Jim Barr, Project Manager, Tees Valley Supply Chain added:

“This event really highlighted numerous opportunities and roles available to young people, demonstrating the region's industrial growth and diversity. The kids' enthusiasm was evident from their smiling faces, showcasing their ambition to play a part in the future prosperity of the Tees Valley economy. Looking ahead, we aim to organise a larger Supply Chain Futures event in Tees Valley, to open this opportunity up to a larger group of school kids and really help to develop the future skills for the region.”

The Work Experience Discovery Day forms part of the wider Tees Valley Supply Chain Programme, delivered by RTC North on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Business Board.

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme provides fully funded support to businesses across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees, helping to strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, and develop the skills pipeline needed for long-term regional growth.