From being a shy young man when he first started college, Ceinen Stark is proof of how a new jobs initiative is helping young people to shine on Teesside.
Ceinen, 20, is one of eight trainees who have been given paid work opportunities by charitable leisure trust, Tees Active, as part of the Tees Valley Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.
Launched under the ‘Get Britain Working’ banner, the Trailblazer pilot is helping 18 to 21-years olds in eight English regions – including Tees Valley – to find work.
The scheme is being led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council with Tees Active, so far, providing the most opportunities for young Trailblazers out of any business or organisation.
Tees Active manages leisure venues and activities for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, and Ceinen is six weeks into a six-month programme as part of the backstage technical crew at Billingham Forum Theatre.
He is being given wide-ranging experience, but his current role is operating the spotlight during the theatre’s pantomime, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan.
It’s a highly responsible job because the show features Peter Pan – played by Ben-Ryan Davies – soaring through the theatre on a ‘flying rig’.
“I’m learning a lot of new skills and enjoying myself at the same time,” said Ceinen, who is autistic.
Born and raised in Stockton, he was home-schooled at primary and secondary level before studying at Stockton Riverside College.
“Going to college was a big step for me, and I lacked confidence to begin with, but the careers department pointed me in the direction of the Trailblazers programme, and I was lucky to get this role.
“With so many different shows coming to the theatre, I enjoy the variety and meeting so many different people.”
Joseph Cole is another Trailblazers trainee working with the technical crew at Billingham Forum Theatre, learning the same skills as Ceinen.
Tees Active has also provided two placements in the theatre box office and reception, two at Stockton Splash, one at IB Leisure, and one in human resources at head office.
Billingham Forum Theatre manager Alex Aird said: “The public doesn’t get to see everything that happens behind the scenes, but there’s so much that goes into putting on a professional show.
“Health and safety is a big aspect, and Ceinen and Joseph have picked it up really well. It’s not only great experience for them but invaluable to us to have additional resources, so we can spend time giving them a really good experience.”
The Trailblazers trainees get 25 hours a week paid work for up to six months, with each assigned a workplace mentor.
A number of young people taking part have already secured longer term jobs on the back of their placements, while others can use their enhanced experience to apply for vacancies in the meantime.
Kerry Swan, Tees Active’s Workplace Development Manager, says the scheme is already proving “a huge success”.
“It’s about building up those initial employment skills and breaking down the barriers to routes into employment – a vital first foot in the door,” she added.
“If we don’t provide these opportunities, our young people can’t be competitive in the labour market because they lack experience on their CVs, and I’m proud that Tees Active is playing a leading role.”
In the case of Ceinen Stark, he’s gone from lacking self-esteem to soaring in confidence.
– OH, YES HE IS!
The Trailblazer is open to applications from young people aged 18 to 21 who are not in education, employment, or training, and are living in Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees).
Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, and TVCA Cabinet Member for Employment, Education and Skills, added: “Ceinen, Joseph and Tees Active are great examples of the Trailblazer doing exactly what it set out to do.
“This programme is all about getting more of our brilliant young people into work and getting them the experience they need. In turn, Tees Active have got some great fresh young talents on board who’ve been given the chance they need to move into the world of work.
“It’s great to see Tees Active flying the flag from our borough for the Trailblazer and I hope we have more companies, organisations and young people taking part in the months and years to come.”
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government.
For young people wanting more information on the programme and to sign up follow this link.
For businesses wanting more information and to sign up to provide a placement, follow this link For FAQs, go here: Youth Trailblazer FAQs – Work
· To find out about more opportunities on the Trailblazers scheme, go to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s employment and training hub: www:stocktonemploymenttraininghub.co.uk
Find out more about how Tees Active are working with partners to drive positive change in the community.
