More virtual work experience opportunities on the horizon with the launch of our 2021/22 programme calendar

Following our very first Insight Days covering Business and Law in March, registration is now open for our upcoming Maritime, Automotive, Engineering, Finance and Creative Media & Digital sessions.

The bite-sized digital programme sees Tees Valley students take part in immersive and interactive taster days, that provide an engaging glimpse into the industries and opportunities taking place right on their doorstep.

The upcoming Insight Days, delivered live and online with industry members including Casper Shipping, Jacksons Law, Active Financial, Visualsoft, Better, Jacobs, Lynas Engineers and Teesside University, connect students with businesses and help young people explore the world of work directly from the classroom.

June will see our more in-depth three and five day virtual placements get up and running, offering insightful business interactions and a deep dive into a range of sectors in our region. These structured and industry-led work placements are also delivered entirely online and are designed specifically for Y9 – Y13 students, with a focus on developing a deeper understanding of sectors, individual businesses and job roles.

For students like Kirpa, the programme has helped increase awareness and encourage opportunity:

“The experience helped me understand more about what I want to do, and also not to worry if I don’t know what I want to do in the future. It’s also inspired me to try new things.”

Content is sector focused, including a series of practical, real-life business challenges, group presentations, virtual site tours and interactive Q&As. There’s also an emphasis on the varied roles in each industry, going beyond the typical opportunities to lift the lid on business and shine a light on the people who make them.

Lauren Bywater, General Manager at High Tide said:

“Although we’re really looking forward to restarting our workplace based programmes when the time is right, the launch of our new online programmes ensures we can still connect young people directly with employers through live interactive sessions. It also means our programmes are as accessible as possible and dramatically increases the numbers of places available on each session, so we can reach more young people than ever before.”

Our VWEX programmes run throughout the year and are available for up to 100 students in each session. The initiatives are facilitated by the High Tide team through a virtual classroom platform, and supported by business members from a range of sectors including digital, shipping, logistics, engineering, manufacturing, law and finance. They are also designed to fit seamlessly into a structured syllabus that helps connect the curriculum with careers, while offering a clear pathway to further placements, as well as our practical programmes which will be returning later in the year.

For businesses, it’s the perfect opportunity to support young people and meet CSR commitments. Our industry-led programmes are designed around local business needs and regional skills strategies, with a focus on not just increasing work-based skills and awareness, but also on improving life skills, changing attitudes, building ambitions and developing networks.

Dean Benson, CEO at High Tide Corporate Partner, Visualsoft, said:

“It’s really important to come out into the real world to see what companies are like and see what jobs are available. We’ve got such a great set of companies here in the Tees Valley, and it’s crucial for school leavers to see the opportunities that exist within our brilliant area.

‘It’s the future generation, and involving young people in everything you do, is absolutely ethically the right thing to do.”

All of our upcoming programmes are now open for registration. Schools need to be registered on the Speakers for School VWEX portal before students can sign up for our virtual programmes. For more information, please contact the High Tide team.

If you’re a business who’d like to get involved in shaping the future workforce, supporting young people and inspiring the next generation, then please get in touch. It’s easy to get involved and there’s no cost attached. All we need is your time, passion and commitment to open the doors of your business to young people in the Tees Valley.