As a week long programme ran during the summer academic break, the scheme allows Teesside students to visit a variety of engineering related businesses in the region, including Caterpillar, Lotte Chemical, MPI Offshore and Sembcorp.

Students take part in a number of industry-led activities, such as site visits, group presentations, and interactive sessions, all with a focus on understanding the skill requirements and career paths into the engineering sector.

Previous Engineering Week student, Rachel Boynton said: “I don’t think I would have been able to find this experience anywhere else.

“The other work experience that I have done in the past has always been at the same company for a full week, where as High Tide’s Engineering Week offers you something really valuable as you get the chance to have an insight into more than one company in a week.”

In the past, students have gone on to apply for apprenticeships and further work experience with industry members as a result of their time during Engineering Week.

Another former Engineering Week student, Cameron Bell said: “High Tide’s Engineering Week has made me more aware of what businesses look for when hiring employees and the benefits of both educational and apprenticeship routes. It has made me confident that engineering is the area of work I would like to follow.”

Student stats from previous Engineering Weeks:

• Every student rated the placement a 4 or 5 for how good the experience was. The scale ran from 1–5, with 1 being the worst experience and 5 being the best experience.
• 100% of the group felt that they gained a greater career knowledge through taking part in Engineering Week.
• 100% of students said this opportunity was not something they could have found elsewhere.
• Over 50% of the students said the opportunity helped them with making their decisions for their next steps.

Engineering Week is delivered by: Caterpillar, Lotte Chemical, MPI Offshore and Sembcorp.

Take a look at the Engineering Week programme page for more information and how to apply. Keep up to date by signing up to our newsletter or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.