29th, September 2014

Work Scheme Brings Success for Youngsters on Teesside

Over 100 people gathered at the Riverside Stadium on Monday night to celebrate the success of youngsters who completed a special scheme designed to help prepare them for the world of work over the summer holidays.  

Events, Programmes

Launched in 2013, the High Tide Summer Scheme offers 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to undertake two weeks of work experience with different businesses in and around Teesport.

This year the Scheme offered 32 young people from across Teesside placements with 18 different employers, ranging from PD Ports and Casper Shipping to RBS, Wilton Engineering and David Fox Transport.    

Four young people also travelled on a working container ship to St Petersburg,  courtesy of  Finnish logistics company Containerships Ltd Oy, spending 11 days en route to Russia’s second city and back, via Rotterdam, Helsinki and Riga.

Speaking at the event on Monday evening, High Tide’s chairman, Kevin Shakesheff, boss of Middlesbrough-based Casper Shipping, said  “I’d like to congratulate all our young people for completing their placements – we know it’s quite a challenge to give up two weeks of the summer holiday to take part,  but we also know that the experience they gain on the Scheme can be invaluable for their future careers.  We are particularly grateful to all our member companies who supported the Scheme this year”.  

A number of students received special awards for their achievements. Gohar Raza, currently studying A levels at Middlesbrough College, was nominated by Sembcorp for her positive attitude and   for contributing actively to problem-solving within Sembcorp’s laboratories at Wilton.  Gohar carried out a study of site effluent using  ion chromatography during her week-long placement with the company. Graham Taylor, Sembcorp’s Training & Development Manager, said “We were impressed by Gohar’s attitude and enthusiasm during her placement.   We hope that the experience will help her in her future career”.

Jake Whitfield, 16,  from Macmillan College spent a week with the Corporate team at RBS.  The bank’s Regional Director John Dryden said that Jake had impressed all the team with his positivity, thirst for knowledge and ambition and went on to say that “High Tide should be very proud in putting students like Jake into the business world”. 

High Tide will be looking to recruit a new cohort of students for 2015. For more details visit www.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)

Our Corporate Partners

Casper Shipping
Jacksons Law Firm
PD Ports