Major new programme to help young people inro work and training

Posted on 02 July 2025

Young people across Tees Valley are to benefit from a landmark new training and employment programme to unlock their potential and build the career they want.

Tees Valley is one of eight UK locations selected to run a UK Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, a UK Government-funded programme providing up to £5million to support youth employment.

High-quality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions will be provided for young people aged 18-21 across the region who are not in work, education or training.

Eligible young people are now being urged to sign up to the scheme while local businesses are being called on to provide placements, which will be critical in tackling a lack of work experience – and which acts as a barrier to employment.

The Trailblazer programme includes:

• Quick and flexible unpaid work taster sessions to allow young people to explore their job options.
• Structured, paid work placements for three or six months to gain the right experiences and skills needs for job and training opportunities. 
• A dedicated key worker providing pre-placement support and help to access education and training opportunities. 
• Grants to help with the purchase of IT equipment, internet connection, and additional training and qualifications may also be available. 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a hugely important programme to support our young people and help them take advantage of the employment opportunities we are bringing to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“However, we can only do this with the support of our brilliant businesses and we need their involvement to make sure this Trailblazer is a success in helping drive forward the careers of these young people.

 “It will not only be the young people who benefit, this will also help our firms develop the next generation of talent, who can provide the innovation and energy to help drive companies to the next level.” 

The Trailblazer will be delivered in partnership with the five Tees Valley Local Authorities. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has been appointed as the lead delivery partner.

Councillor Lisa Evans, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Leader and TVCA Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Employment, Education and Skills said: "Having no or little work experience can be a real barrier to entering the world of work or accessing higher level education and training.

“This scheme will give more young people across the Tees Valley chance to gain good quality workplace experience, through paid, flexible placements and taster sessions. By exploring these opportunities, we hope more young people will be able to improve their skills and boost their confidence - unlocking their employment potential.

“With help on offer in the form of a key worker plus grants available for equipment the scheme will help those in need of support to flourish and find a career which suits them best."

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “This Government is determined to unleash the talent of young people in the Tees Valley and across the country, and provide them with the skills, opportunities and jobs they need to build a better life.

“That is why I am so proud we are investing £5million in the Tees Valley youth trailblazer, to break down barriers for young people so they can fulfil their potential and ambition.

“We are working with local areas across the country to deliver this support, as we put more money in people’s pockets and drive economic growth under the Plan for Change.”

Anyone aged 18-21, not currently in education, employment, or training, and are living in Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees), is eligible to apply.  

For young people wanting more information on the programme and to sign up follow this link.

For businesses wanting more information and to sign up to provide a placement, follow this link