Last Summer, we reported increased numbers for both student applications and placements for the Summer Scheme. And after aiming to attract 50 students to participate in 2015, we gained 56, doubling our numbers on the previous year. This year, we have smashed records once again by doubling our numbers to 100 applications in total. This is a huge accolade for the Foundation and we aim to take through 75 individuals, if not all, with the support from local businesses to accommodate the higher number of applicants.

Due to lack of provision across the Teesside area, most students that have applied for the opportunity of work experience have not yet been given an opportunity like this, and this is where we come in. High Tide’s acclaimed Summer Scheme programme offers two-week work placements over the summer holidays to school leavers and college students aged 16-19, giving them the opportunity to kickstart their careers.

Due to the significant rise in applications, we now need 200 weeks’ worth of work experience placements from existing industry members, as well as new businesses on Teesside that may be interested in pledging their time to the scheme.

High Tide needs you!

High Tide Coordinator, Lauren Bywater is keen to secure these placements so that she can fulfil the applications of the students who have applied to take part this year, saying, “We currently have over 60 companies on board with us as Industry Members, so if each of those members offered three placements, we would have more than enough to offer our students.

“To offer valuable placements that can help towards supporting the large number of students we now have coming through High Tide, we are now urging businesses that are already members of High Tide, and ones that are new to what we do, to help us fulfil the student placements over the coming Summer holidays.”

Students who have applied to take part in this year’s Summer Scheme are interested in multiple roles; from catering, marketing, law and engineering, to shipping, and many more; and are wholly committed to the time spent developing their skills within a suitable placement in their own time over the summer months.

“Some of the students that have applied this year are desperate for work experience, as they are 18 years old and have never set foot in a workplace environment before. We believe that experience like this is vital for them to kickstart their careers, so we are pledging for businesses in the area to help us support them.

“Getting involved with High Tide could be a fantastic opportunity for companies who are looking to take on trainees or apprentices, as many of our candidates are already career focused and ready”, Lauren added.

If you’ve never provided a work experience placement before, our experienced team will support you in everything you need to organise and also manage the placement to ensure a rewarding experience for your business, as well as the student. 

If you’re interested in offering work experience placements to High Tide, or you’d like to get involved in other ways, please contact Membership Coordinator, Kim Upex on 07710713314, or k.upex@hightidefoundation.co.uk.