More than 600 pupils take part in Tees Valley challenge week
The fifth annual SEND Enterprise Challenge week saw 606 students from 10 schools take on a variety of tasks and meet major employers.
The 11 to 24-year-olds with special educational needs and learning disabilities heard about opportunities from a range of employers and organisations including Altrad and colleges.
One challenge set during the week was to build a structure capable of carrying a 1kg bag of sugar, designed to move across a stage.
Students at the Teesworks Skills Academy (Image: Supplied)
Next Steps Day at the Teesworks Skills Academy saw 120 students tasked with using recycled materials to create models.
The awards evening celebrated the winning schools’ efforts in each category.
The ‘Most Successful Structure’ award went to the Priory Woods Post-16 site.
For the most creative use of recycled materials, the Abbey Hill Fairfax Site in Stockton was recognised.
Abbey Hill Main Site took the ‘Best Strapline and Logo’ prize.Pupils take on challenges (Image: Supplied)
Catcote Sixth Form class S2 was celebrated for their ‘Most Imaginative Presentation’.
A number of other categories were recognised by the Combined Authority, including communication, creative skills, teamwork, listening, problem-solving, enthusiasm, and best class scrapbook.
Altrad’s contract manager, Jamie Yarker, led their involvement in the project and said: “This is the third year Altrad has been involved in the TVCA Enterprise Challenge Week, and it honestly gets better every year.
“You can feel the excitement and positivity in the air during the event, and itβs certainly infectious.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Events like the SEND Enterprise Challenge are exactly what we need to make sure everyone benefits as we transform our region.
“Our young people involved have shown amazing creativity, drive and problem-solving β theyβre proof that talent is everywhere.
βItβs why weβre investing in skills at places like the Teesworks Skills Academy β so every young person, no matter their background, can take advantage of the new jobs and opportunities weβre creating right here across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.β
Matthew Oates, Altrad’s business unit director for the North East and Humber, , added: “It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel who had the pleasure and very difficult task of picking the winners from Challenge Week 2025.
“The presentations and structures that were showcased were amazing and the young people should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
“What a way to start the week.”
The initiative is co-ordinated via the Tees Valley Careers Hub and funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company with the support of sponsorship from Altrad.