WATCH: The work placement programme that's changing people's lives
An employment scheme has helped 65 people in Tees Valley take their first steps towards a new career.
For the last two years, the Tees Valley Move Forward – New Start scheme has been providing paid work placements to people who are economically inactive.
The scheme is delivered by a partnership of north east housing associations – Thirteen, Beyond Housing, Home Group, Karbon Homes and North Star Housing – on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Through New Start, local people have been placed with a range of 16 employers including roofing and fitness companies, cafés and care providers.
"Two years ago I'd never worked in my life"
One of those to benefit is Shazia Noreen Ghani, 52, from Billingham, who was taken on as a fitness instructor by Nur Fitness in Middlesbrough after completing a placement there.
“Two years ago, I’d never worked in my life,” she said. “I had no confidence. Now I’m a fully trained fitness instructor and it feels so nice.
“At the start of the placement I felt really nervous and really worried. But when I finished, I felt really amazing.
“I do different classes – Zumba, body pump, with dumbbells and kettlebells – and sometimes there’s 16 ladies here.
“I have my confidence back. I am really proud of myself because I never thought I can do this. I feel like a different person.”
Nur Fitness manager, Shazia Noor, added: “When Shazia started her placement I remember she was so shy and embarrassed, and now watching her, how she’s grown and in the way she now presents herself to the class. She’s so inspiring.
“It’s just been such a good opportunity for us to have somebody so talented actually working for Nur Fitness now, and we’re really proud to have her.”
"Six months ago I was too anxious to get a job"
Another to benefit is Kyle Wilson, 20, from Hartlepool, who has successfully applied for a role in retail after completing a placement as a warehouse assistant at Thirteen’s recycling centre in Billingham.
“Six months ago I was too anxious to get a job,” he said. “I struggle to speak to new people.
“Having that barrier of not knowing who I’m going to be speaking to, it did mess with my confidence and my mental health. I’d been unemployed for, in my eyes, too long.
“I got offered this work placement at the Thirteen recycling centre and that’s when everything changed.
“My role a warehouse assistant basically involved fixing furniture, anything ranging from bedside drawers, wardrobes, cabinets, stuff like that.
“It’s been life changing for me. It’s upskilled me. I’m ambitious. I want to see how high I can climb.”
Paid work experience is "boosting confidence"
New Start has been running since April 2024 and has provided 65 people with paid work placements during that time.
Of those, 48 have secured permanent roles, five have gone into further education or training, and 12 are receiving ongoing employment support.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "It’s essential that people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have access to the very best support to build successful, lasting careers – and New Start is a powerful example of how that can be delivered.
"By offering real, paid work experience, the programme is not only equipping local people with vital skills but also boosting confidence and helping them to invest in their futures with ambition and purpose."
The Tees Valley Move Forward – New Start service is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Funding for New Start was secured through the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE).