Intelect opens eyes and minds of young people during National Apprenticeship Week
Intelect, a Middlesbrough-based engineering company, welcomed 60 young people through its doors this week, providing an insight into the world of engineering and apprenticeships as part of its celebrations of National Apprenticeship Week.
The visit consisted of various tours throughout the day, with a range of both primary and college students gaining a glimpse into potential future career opportunities that are right on their doorstep.
As part of their wider strategy to encourage greater diversity within the engineering industry, Intelect invited Year 5 and Year 6 Power of Women Ambassadors from both Pennyman Primary School and St Bede’s Primary School.
The Power of Women Campaign was launched by a group of Tees Valley business leaders in 2021, and aims to inspire and encourage primary school children that there are no limitations to their future, no matter their gender, race or postcode.
Nieve Morrison, Power of Women Marketing Office attended the event, she said “We are so grateful to Intelect for giving our POW Ambassadors this inspiring and insightful experience. It is so important businesses offer experiences like this to younger generations, as it has been proven that if a child has approximately seven interactions with a professional role model, it will have a large impact on their career and earning potential.”
One primary school student was blown away by her experience, saying, “I thought it was really cool that we were able to see everything. It was a great experience and everyone was amazing!”
Twenty engineering students from one of Intelect’s long-term training partners, Middlesbrough College also attended the open day, providing them with much needed industry insight, as well as information on future opportunities.
With the theme of National Apprenticeship Week being ‘Skills for Life’, students also met with some of Intelect’s past and present apprentices, and were given the opportunity to take part in various interactive activities during their visit.
Intelect’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Lily Brothwood explained why it’s vital that young people should have an insight into the world of work.
“As the saying goes, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Intelect have always been dedicated to supporting and inspiring young people, and we have seen the benefits of this through the long-term success of our apprenticeship programme, which celebrates 25 years this year.
“Early intervention is now imperative when it comes to igniting a spark in the next generation, which is why we are particularly focused on promoting the engineering sector to primary school children, in order to positively influence perceptions and stereotypes when it comes to career choices.
She continued, “Whilst this insight day was the first of its kind for us at Intelect, it certainly won’t be the last, and we’ll continue to work with organisations like Spark Tees Valley, and charities such as the High Tide Foundation, to deliver meaningful career opportunities to local young people of all ages in our area.”
As well as the various student visits as part of their National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Intelect also received a visit from Rt Hon Robert Halfon, Minister of Apprenticeships, Skills and Higher Education.