Run by The High Tide Foundation, a charity created and driven by port-related businesses to provide opportunities for the young people of Teesside, the High Tide Cadet programme has been modelled on a scheme set up by Tata Steel following Prince Charles’s visit to Redcar steelworks in 2010, and is designed to introduce 12 to 14 year olds to the world of work in and around Teesport.

During the 8 week programme, the youngsters will visit a number of different businesses around Teesport, and take a trip on the Harbour Master’s launch to see the area from the river itself.  As well as gaining an insight into areas such as commercial shipping and shipbroking, engineering and dock operations, the group will also visit Asda’s Teesport Distribution centre and David Fox Transport in Grangetown.

David Wilson, HR Manager at PD Ports explains: “We’re using the example of a mobile ‘phone to show the students how everyday goods they take for granted are transported across the globe and into their homes, illustrating the important roles that businesses on Teesport play in the  global supply chain. Each week, the students will see a different aspect of the journey, and learn about some of the many job opportunities that exist along the way”.

The launch of the first programme has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), who are taking a keen interest in the scheme.

High Tide’s Chairman, Kevin Shakesheff, chairman of Middlesbrough-headquartered Casper Shipping comments: “We are very grateful indeed to the ICS for their generosity in enabling us to get this exciting new programme underway.  We are hoping that our twelve High Tide Cadets will be the first of many, helping us achieve our long term aim of bringing greater opportunities to young people on Teesside”.

The new programme will be running alongside a number of High Tide’s other schemes,  including a Summer Scheme which offers school leavers a two-week work experience placement with businesses who are members of High Tide.