Member News
A career-changing programme which has given hundreds of young people a step into education, training and employment has opened for applications for a second year.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is now open for applications.
The programme will continue to support young people aged 18 to 21 who are not in education, employment, or training, and living in Tees Valley, following a successful pilot year that attracted interest from more than 1,700 young people.
Every young person who takes part will be guaranteed a meeting with a dedicated local Key Worker, who will work with them to understand their needs and connect them with the right support.
This could include personalised careers advice and guidance, help with job searching, and training to build confidence and communication skills.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The first year of the programme showed what can be achieved when we back our young people with the right support at the right time. We have huge projects delivering jobs now and we want all our young people to access these opportunities.
“We’ve already seen so many find opportunities with businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, gaining the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed.
“That’s why we’re delighted to open applications again and help even more young people access the support, training and work opportunities available through the programme.”
The programme is being led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the region’s local authorities.
This arrangement will continue in the project’s second year.
Funded by the UK Government, it includes high-quality paid work placements and wider support for young people across the region, helping them to build experience, confidence and a pathway into lasting employment.
Where appropriate, young people may also be offered a paid work experience placement of up to five months with a local employer, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable skills, build their experience and move closer to sustainable employment.
For employers, wages for work placements are fully funded to keep financial costs to businesses as low as possible.
By offering a paid work placement of up to five months for a young person aged 18–21, you’ll help them gain the practical skills and experience needed to build a sustainable career.
Cllr Lisa Evans, TVCA Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: “The success of the first year has highlighted the difference this programme can make. Young people who may have faced barriers to employment have been supported into training, work placements and lasting opportunities, while employers have been able to access enthusiastic local talent.
“The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is about ensuring every young person has somewhere to turn for advice, guidance and practical support. Whether it’s help building confidence, finding training or securing valuable workplace experience, we’re committed to making sure young people across Tees Valley can access the opportunities they deserve. I’d encourage both young people and employers to get involved.”
Support for businesses includes:
-Finding the perfect match: The Trailblazer team will act as a gateway to match young people with the right work placement based on their skill sets and your business needs.
-Subsidised work placements: Wages will be fully subsidised for up to 25 hours per week, so there is no financial cost to your business.
-Training grants: Funding may be available to help young people gain relevant qualifications and skills.
-In-work support: Key workers will be on hand throughout the placement to offer in-work support,
including help to develop a training plan, access to education and training opportunities, and progress reviews.
For young people, there will be a guaranteed one-to-one meeting with a local key worker who can help you with:
-Personalised careers advice and guidance
-Connections to local jobs, training and education opportunities
-Support with job searching, CVs and interview skills
-Training to build confidence and communication skills
-Help overcoming financial barriers to work or training
Some examples of past success across our region include young people securing work at: Axiom Events, Middlesbrough; Hightech, Darlington and Alice House Hospice, Hartlepool.
If you’re aged 18 to 21, not currently in education, employment, or training, and are living in Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees), then you are eligible to apply.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government and delivered locally by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Companies wishing to express an interest in joining the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer should go here, while young people interested in the programme can register their details here.
