Bruce Ogilvy, Director of Paragon Shipping, travelled up from London to present certificates to ten young people who had completed the first-ever High Tide Cadet programme, a new scheme run by The High Tide Foundation, a charity set up by businesses on Teesport to improve opportunities for young people across the Teesside area.

The after-school programme was designed to introduce young people to the world of work around the port, and ran over 8 consecutive weeks. During the course, the Cadets visited a variety of different sites around Teesport, including Casper Shipping’s offices in Middlesbrough, Asda’s Teesport Distribution Centre and David Fox Transport in Grangetown, as well as the port’s Conservancy Department and Tees Dock itself.

Speaking during Monday’s ceremony, Mr Ogilvy said: “I am really proud that the ICS was able to sponsor this programme, which is the very first of its kind anywhere. We’re hoping it has opened the eyes of these youngsters to the many exciting opportunities that exist in the port and shipping world, both here on Teesside and around the globe”.
Annabella Smith from Sacred Heart School in Redcar, who completed the programme, said of her experience: “I particularly enjoyed visiting the warehouse operations at Asda, because I was amazed at how large the storage unit was and how easy it was for operatives to find and collect items for delivery. Being on the Cadet Programme taught me about the world of work and what skills are required for each type of job”.

High Tide’s chairman, Kevin Shakesheff, commented “Through High Tide we are planning to roll this programme out to schools across Teesside and have also been invited to work with the ICS to develop similar programmes in other ports around the world. We are delighted our first Cadets have gained so much from their experience”.