A group of youngsters from schools across Middlesbrough are the first class to graduate from an exciting initiative to attract new blood into the automotive sector.

The six week, industry-led, Automotive Cadetship, developed by local charity High Tide in partnership with key businesses in the car industry, gives students an insight into the automotive sector supply chain and the vast range of career opportunities available.

Twelve 14 and 15 year olds, selected from three Middlesbrough schools completed the programme last month, which culminated in a graduation evening at Middlesbrough College’s STEM centre. The event celebrated the success of students, as well as the programme’s impact on businesses and young people across the region.

Mark Easby, trustee for High Tide, commented on the success of the first successful automotive cadetship: “The automotive sector has become such a major sector for our region, so it’s fantastic that leaders in the industry have worked with us to develop this pioneering initiative to inspire young people. It also complements a wide range of programmes we deliver to help connect industry and education in Teesside and the North East, with the overriding aim to raise aspirations and increase career opportunities for young people.”

The industry-led initiative was designed and developed in partnership with logistics expert,          AV Dawson, along with SABIC, Nifco, Nissan and Evans Halshaw. These industry members help provide a behind the scenes look into the world of automotive, exploring the full supply chain from plastic and steel production to the car showroom. The programme also introduces students to career opportunities within the growing automotive sector in the North East.

The programme, which has the support of senior representatives of the automotive sector, received the seal of approval when Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance delivered the keynote speech at the graduation event: “These young people are our future workforce, and this innovative programme is exactly the kind of activity we all need to be doing to educate people of the exciting career opportunities in our industry and in our region; and to identify future talent for the sector.”

John Bruijnooge, SABIC’s Site Director – Teesside, said: “SABIC are very impressed with the activities that High Tide undertake and are very proud be members. We were delighted to take part in the automotive cadetship as we feel it is our duty to inspire and educate young people within the community in which we operate and given.  It is most likely that these young people will be the future for our company.”

Applications for the next Automotive Cadetship programme will open soon. If you would like to get involved or want to know more about the Automotive Cadetship visit www.hightidefoundation.co.uk.