The workforce of the future has learned about a host of dream careers with the help of inspirational local mentors.
Students from schools across Middlesbrough have taken part in hands-on career workshops funded by M&G plc, and delivered by national education charity The Talent Foundry, in partnership with Middlesbrough Council.
Local business people and mentors from organisations including Cleveland Police, M&G plc and the NHS were invited to help deliver the sessions.
Year 10 pupils from Outwood Acklam, Outwood Ormesby, Acklam Grange, Macmillan, Unity City Academy, Trinity Catholic College and Kings Academy have already enjoyed two sessions which took place at Riverside Stadium and leading Middlesbrough engineering firm AV Dawson, taking part in tours and a range of skills-building activities all aimed at raising aspirations and building pathways to success.
During a day of events at Teesside University last week, the young people impressed by taking part in a speed interviewing task, in which they got to hone their interview skills, as well as enjoying a tour of the university’s Launchpad which supports start-up businesses.
The Talent Foundry aims to increase social mobility by helping young people discover what they are amazing at, develop valuable new employment skills and take that first step into the world of work.
One Kings Academy student said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know about how other people have moved forward in their lives and careers.”
Cate Smith, Head of Programmes at The Talent Foundry, said: “The workshops have been designed to raise the aspirations of students and help them build core skills like confidence, positivity, creativity, listening and speaking skills.
“The young people have taken so much from the sessions we’ve delivered so far, and they’ve been lucky they have been able to benefit from the experience and advice of our mentors.
“I’d like to thank all our students for engaging with us so positively, our partners for their support, and our amazing mentors for volunteering their time.”
Cllr Mieka Smiles, Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “Middlesbrough is brimming with talent and I think it’s amazing for our young people to see what the world of work can offer them in our area.
“Hearing directly from the people who work in jobs that they aspire to have one day sparks the imagination of our children and encourages them to think positively about Middlesbrough and feel proud to live here.”