13th, December 2016

Automotive Industry Secures Its Youngest Graduates

A group of youngsters from schools across Middlesbrough are the first class to graduate from an exciting initiative to attract new blood into the automotive sector.

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In partnership with key businesses in the car industry, our six week, industry-led, Automotive Cadetship, gives students an insight into the automotive sector supply chain and the vast range of career opportunities available.   

Twelve 14 and 15 year olds, selected from three Middlesbrough schools completed the programme last month, which culminated in a graduation evening at Middlesbrough College’s STEM centre. The event celebrated the success of students, as well as the programme’s impact on businesses and young people across the region.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SECURES ITS YOUNGEST GRADUATES

Mark Easby, trustee for High Tide, commented on the success of the first automotive cadetship: “The automotive sector has become such a major sector for our region, so it’s fantastic that leaders in the industry have worked with us to develop this pioneering initiative to inspire young people.  It also complements a wide range of programmes we deliver to help connect industry and education in Teesside and the North East, with the overriding aim to raise aspirations and increase career opportunities for young people.”

The industry-led initiative was designed and developed in partnership with logistics expert, AV Dawson, along with SABIC, Nifco, Nissan and Evans Halshaw. These industry members help provide a behind the scenes look into the world of automotive, exploring the full supply chain from plastic and steel production to the car showroom. The programme also introduces students to career opportunities within the growing automotive sector in the North East.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SECURES ITS YOUNGEST GRADUATES

The programme, which has the support of senior representatives of the automotive sector, received the seal of approval when Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance delivered the keynote speech at the graduation event: “These young people are our future workforce, and this innovative programme is exactly the kind of activity we all need to be doing to educate people of the exciting career opportunities in our industry and in our region; and to identify future talent for the sector.” 

John Bruijnooge, SABIC’s Site Director – Teesside, said: “SABIC are very impressed with the activities that High Tide undertake and are very proud be members. We were delighted to take part in the automotive cadetship as we feel it is our duty to inspire and educate young people within the community in which we operate and given.  It is most likely that these young people will be the future for our company.” 

Applications for the next Automotive Cadetship programme will open shortly. If you would like to get involved or want to know more about the programme, visit the Automotive Cadetship page or get in touch with our General Manager, Lauren Bywater, on 07834 176945 or email info@hightidefoundation.co.uk.

33,500

Students supported since 2012
with life-changing industry-led work experience programmes and enrichment events

28,000

Hours of engagement with employers
connecting students directly with people in various job roles for real-life career experiences

750

Business members involved
from a range of sectors who co-designed and delivered our industry-led career programmes

"“This has been so educational, not only for the students but also the teachers; I had no idea of what really went on down here. This is great knowledge that I can take back with me and share with the other colleagues and students.”"

Teacher, Middlesbrough

""It was very informative and was definitely worth every minute. The speakers and staff were very kind and helped us all build a better understanding of the world of engineering. This was an insight I doubt I could have gotten anywhere else.""

Year 7 Student, Redcar

"“I am grateful for the help and life changing experience High Tide have gave me and believe that I wouldn’t have got this chance anywhere else. I believe that without high tide I would have never received or had an opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge”"

Year 6 Student, Middlesbrough

"“My experience with High Tide provided me with amazing opportunities and allowed me to meet very influential people who have helped me to gain confidence as well as skills I will take with me for the rest of my life.""

Year 6 Student, Middlesbrough

"Start to finish there was loads of enthusiasm from the employees and the students! Really fun to be a part of this!"

Age 17, 5-day VWEX (Engineering)

"I enjoyed the work experience, I learnt new skills on how to write my CV and what employers look for."

Age 13, Discovery day (Employability)

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