Our Programmes

Our life-changing, industry-led workshops and hands-on work experience programmes showcase career opportunities and provide invaluable real-world experiences. Our programmes open up a world of opportunity and create meaningful connections between students and local employers, leading to improved awareness, increased confidence and higher aspirations.

We offer two main types of engaging and interactive career programmes for Secondary Schools across Tees Valley aimed at young people aged 11-16. These programmes are developed with local businesses to provide real-world experiences and industry insights into various industries and career opportunities.

Career Workshops (Years 7 and 8)

Our Interactive Career Workshops bring the world of work directly into secondary schools. These industry-led sessions are delivered by professionals from our extensive network of local businesses representing a diverse range of sectors. Workshops range from short bite-size sessions and career assemblies to full-day interactive sessions.

Key Features:

  • Local Experts: Workshops are led by local business leaders and professionals who provide first-hand insights and inspiration
  • Real-life Stories: Students engage with a diverse range of speakers to delve into real-life journeys, challenges and choices
  • Flexible Delivery: Schools can choose from short introductory sessions to full-day interactive workshops tailored to their schedules
  • Group Sessions: Designed for groups of students from Y7 and Y8, helping to encourage collaboration, engaging discussion and shared learning
  • Gatsby Benchmarks: All workshops are aligned with the Gatsby benchmarks for good career guidance
  • Variety of Sectors: Students can explore a wide range of industries, helping them understand different career opportunities

Work Experience (Years 9 and 10)

Aimed at Year 9 and Year 10 students, our Works Experience programmes are dynamic, workplace-based programmes that offer students the chance to immerse themselves in the world of work. Over a week, groups of students visit multiple businesses across Teesside, gaining a deeper understanding of various industries and job roles. Programmes can range from a one-day sector experience to a week-long programme comprising several individual sessions, visits and experiences.

Key Features:

  • Real-World Experience: Students spend a week visiting different businesses, getting a taste of the working environment and meeting professionals in various roles.
  • Sector-Focused: Each programme is tailored to specific industries, providing in-depth exposure and understanding of that sector.
  • Career Exploration: Students learn about various job roles, helping them identify potential career paths and interests.
  • Hands-On Learning: Practical experiences and interactive activities that bring the working world to life.
  • Gatsby Qualified: Our programmes meet the standards set by the Gatsby benchmarks, ensuring high-quality career education.

Our programmes improve knowledge and awareness of opportunities and help students make informed decisions about their futures. By participating, students gain real-world skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which boosts their confidence and helps prepare them for the world of work.

For schools, partnering with High Tide seamlessly integrates our programmes into existing timetables and curricula. Our workshops and experiences align with Gatsby benchmarks, ensuring high-quality local career education that enhances your career programme. Students benefit from networking with local professionals, gaining mentorship and career advice, and exploring various professions and industries.


Want to find out more?

If you’d like to get involved with High Tide, please call Lauren on 07834 176945 or drop us an email at lauren@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