The ‘New Perspectives’ programme brings together colleagues from all three organisations, key business partners from across the region and Year 8 and 9 students from The King's Academy, Acklam Grange, Trinity Catholic College and Outwood Academy Acklam.
Through a series of mentor-led sessions, students are building an 'Estate of Opportunity' - a large 3D model of a modern housing estate. The project showcases the skills they've developed and highlights the wide range of career opportunities available in Teesside.
The programme will finish with a celebration event at Middlesbrough Town Hall in November, where students will complete their design. The finished model will then go on display at Middlesbrough Library until the end of the year.
Julie Gibson, Social Value Lead at Thirteen, said: "We're delighted to work with The Talent Foundry to support a programme that's helping hundreds of young people across Middlesbrough explore their future careers.
"We've brought together mentors from across Thirteen and business partners from a range of industries to share their experiences and help students discover the opportunities available right here in Teesside.
"It's been a privilege to help students recognise their strengths, learn more about the different careers available across our region and apply what they've learned to the project. We're looking forward to seeing their Estate of Opportunity on display in the coming months."
Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said: “At The Talent Foundry, we see that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not evenly distributed. The New Perspectives programme and our partnership with Thirteen and Vision Building Services is a key example of how encounters with the world of work can have a transformative impact on young people.
"Students have the opportunity to be inspired, learn about the local employment opportunities and gain the confidence and skills to make informed decisions about their futures.”