A huge thanks to HTG who kindly opened their doors this week to offer an insight into their business and typical career pathways into their organisation.
The Hebburn based IT firm hosted the first Careers Leaders Network of the academic year at their premises on Monkton Business Park.
The South Tyneside Careers Leaders Network brings together Careers Leaders from the borough’s Secondary Schools and stakeholders from South Tyneside Council, Connexions, DWP and NECA who meet four times each year. The network supports schools to deliver aspirational careers programmes that help young people to make ambitious and informed decisions about their next steps and career.
Founder and CEO of the business Kevin Howell, alongside Louise Roughley, Director of People Experience, and Network Engineer Apprentice, Ben Mitford provided an insight into the company, their own careers, the typical pathways into their organisation and explained how they work with schools to promote careers, skills and inclusion, such as providing workshops, mentoring and essential work experience opportunities.
Speaking about the initiative Kevin said:
“As someone born and raised in the South Tyneside, I’ve always been passionate about the region and creating opportunities for local people.
“As a business, we have made a real conscious effort to make HTG an employer of choice. Ensuring that our future workforce know that we are here, know about the roles and opportunities that are available, and are excited by these possibilities is incredibly important to us.
“I would encourage other businesses to do the same, whether that is opening their doors to showcase what they do, or working with schools in some other way, it is really important.”
South Tyneside Council’s work in schools means that pupils, starting at primary school age, understand the possibilities of the world of work. We aim to inspire, empower and educate South Tyneside school pupils about careers and industry.
Could you work with local schools and young people?
South Tyneside Council is always on the lookout for local businesses and organisations to support young people to reach their potential. There are various ways in which you can get involved which include:
- Attend a mock interview session as an interviewer
- Host a Careers Leaders Network meeting
- Attend a careers fair with a stand and provide information on your sector, opportunities and career pathways
- Attend an assembly, lesson or lunchtime drop-in session to give a short talk on your job role or sector?
- Be part of a careers speed dating event – speak to students for approximately five minutes about your job role in a carousel style format
- Sign the care leavers covenant to ensure care leavers are up to date with potential opportunities within your organisation
- Provide a work experience placement for one or more students allowing them to gain knowledge, skills and experience
- Provide a work shadowing opportunity or welcome a site visit of students to offer insight into what your business is all about and the job roles within it
- Provide face-to face guidance for a student on a regular basis through a mentoring scheme
- Hire an apprentice
South Tyneside Council can facilitate all engagement with local schools and link your business with relevant opportunities. Please contact Alex.whelan@southtyneside.gov.uk if you wish to get involved.
HTG are signatories of the South Tyneside Pledge, and commit to recruit, spend and support local wherever possible. Their ongoing work with schools in South Tyneside forms part of this commitment.
