Tees Valley Combined Authority: Key connections forged with firms at successful educate the educators days

Monday, 6 July 2026 12:11

Teachers have been strengthening links with some of our region's biggest employers thanks to successful Educate the Educators industry days. The programme, now in its third year, is backed by Tees Valley Combined Authority and designed to give teachers first-hand insight into the changing world of work. Educators connect directly with local businesses across our key growth sectors helping them bring real-life career choices into the classroom. More than 100 teachers...Request free trial

Teachers have been strengthening links with some of our region's biggest employers thanks to successful Educate the Educators industry days.

The programme, now in its third year, is backed by Tees Valley Combined Authority and designed to give teachers first-hand insight into the changing world of work.

Educators connect directly with local businesses across our key growth sectors helping them bring real-life career choices into the classroom.

More than 100 teachers from 29 schools and colleges have taken part so far, working with 23 employers including Teesworks, the NHS, Teesside International Airport, Fujifilm Biotechnologies, Balfour Beatty, Jacksons and music development programme Sonic Futures.

Through the programme, teachers took part in dedicated Industry Days including sessions held at Stockton Globe, Middlesbrough Football Club and Tees Valley Combined Authority where they met employers, tour workplaces and learned about in-demand skills, job roles and career paths.

They are then able to translate these experiences into classroom teaching, supported by curriculum-linked lesson resources and employer insight videos, helping inspire students and make learning more relevant to local opportunities.

This year's focus was on building sustainable relationships with employers to extend opportunities for valuable workplace experiences for young people.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: We want our young people to know they can build a brilliant career at home, and working with our region's outstanding teachers is another fantastic way of ensuring this happens.

By giving teachers direct experience of our industries, we're helping them bring these opportunities to life in the classroom. The stronger the link between education and business, the better the outcomes for our young people and our economy.

Industries represented include advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital, health and life sciences, engineering, creative industries, professional services and more.

The programme has already led to student visits to workplaces such as TWI and Darlington Economic Campus, as well as new work experience opportunities with employers, and classroom activities based on real industry scenarios.