Scheme details
Area: Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland
Categories: Business support
Business stage: Start-up, Trading business
Key contact: North East Ambition
Contact email: goodcareers@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Page last updated: 28 November 2025
The North East Combined Authority’s North East Ambition programme supports businesses and employers to work collaboratively with schools and colleges. It also signposts employers to resources and organisations who can help with recruiting a diverse young workforce through hosting T Level placements, recruiting apprentices and recruiting and/or upskilling existing staff through Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
By working with schools and colleges in the North East, businesses can create strong links with the next generation of employees.
North East Ambition can help businesses to:
- Understand the skills they need and how to fill their skills gaps
- Advise on staff development and training
- Make links with local schools and colleges to access future talent
- Challenge misconceptions about their industry
- Help young people to gain the skills employers need
- Bring new perspectives to their business
- Give back to their community
Each opportunity to engage with education through North East Ambition has been summarised below. More information is available by visiting North East Ambition: Employers.
Employer Partners
We pair business leaders with schools or colleges in the region to help improve career-related learning from primary through to further education.
Work-based Learning
Helping an individual learn whilst they work in your business is a great way to develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified employee. This could be through apprenticeships, T Level placements, or Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
Work Experience
By opening your doors to young people, you help them build essential skills, gain insight into your industry, and make informed career choices.
School Governance
You or your employees can develop new skills by becoming a school governor and help prepare young people for the world of work.
Supporting high quality teaching
Making learning, at all ages, relevant to the work place can increase student engagement, aspirations and attainment.
Business Growth Support
Our Skills Facilitators provide businesses with the support to fill their skill gaps, raise productivity and boost business growth.
Other useful resources
Early career entry pathways for accessing your future talent
Download this short guide to understand Apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) at a glance.
Construction offer for employers
Download this short guide to understand the current training provision and funding incentives for those seeking to enter the construction industry.