The new interactive programmes, delivered live and online with employers, connect students with businesses and help young people explore the world of work directly from the classroom.

The initiative launched in March, with the pilots of our new Business and Law Insight Days, which saw over 40 Tees Valley students take part in immersive and interactive taster sessions.

In partnership with industry members and business leaders including Jacksons Law, NRL, Wander Films and Domonic Lusardi the scheme is opening the virtual door to 11 – 16 year olds, and providing a snapshot into the industries and opportunities taking place right on their doorstep.

These bite-sized inspiration days offer a snapshot into a wide range of sectors and introduce KS3 and KS4 students to a broad spectrum of job roles. They are delivered entirely online, with engaging presentations and practical breakout sessions helping to raise aspirations and boost life skills.

Oliver, a student on the pilot Business Insight Day, said:

“I have learnt a lot about all the available jobs in the local area. I thought that most jobs in the local area were mainly engineering based, but now I know there are a lot of finance and technology based businesses that I could find a job working with.”

For another student, Kirpa, the session eased fears about career choices: “The experience helped me understand more what I want to do, and not to worry if I don’t know what I want to do in the future. It’s also encouraged me to try new things.”

While the pandemic has meant we’ve had to pause our in-person sessions, it has allowed us to develop new ways of offering life-enriching experiences for young people in our region. And now thanks to Speakers for Schools’ virtual classroom platform, we can provide more live engagements, to more students, than ever before.

Suitable for up to 100 students, our Insight Days run throughout the year and are designed to fit seamlessly into a structured syllabus that helps connect the curriculum with careers. They also offer a clear pathway to our virtual three and five-day placements, as well as practical programmes which will be returning later in the year.

Lauren Bywater, General Manager at High Tide said:

“We’re very excited to launch our new virtual programmes which are all designed to help students across the Tees Valley region engage directly with employers, increase their awareness of careers and improve their aspirations. The success of the pilot programmes, and interest in our new VWEX offer, reinforces that now more than ever young people need support and access to opportunities.”

Registration is now open for our upcoming Insight Days covering Maritime, Automotive, Engineering, Finance and Creative Media & Digital. Each session offers real-life business interactions and a glimpse into industries across the Tees Valley.

To register on our VWEX portal, or for more information on any of our programmes, please contact the High Tide team. Schools need to be registered on the Speakers for School VWEX portal before students can sign up for our virtual programmes.

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.