The region’s largest employer-school engagement programme is getting underway, with 97 businesses joining forces to help more than 14,000 young people explore career opportunities, develop essential employability skills and better understand the world of work.
Delivered by Esh Group in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce and BUSINESSiQ, Building My Skills will connect businesses with 93 schools across all 12 local authority areas in the North East and Tees Valley during the 2026/27 academic year.
Now in its 16th year, the free, business-led programme connects students in Years 9 to 12 directly with employers, introducing them to different industries, career pathways and the transferable skills businesses value. The programme was established in 2009 by founding partners Esh Group, Arup and Ryder.
Darush Dodds, Corporate Affairs Director at Esh Group, said: “Building My Skills has grown into one of the UK’s largest zero-cost careers programmes, and that is something every school and business involved should be incredibly proud of. It shows what can be achieved when employers and combined authorities work collectively rather than in isolation.
“The scale of the programme gives us a genuine opportunity to change perceptions, raise aspirations and open young people’s eyes to careers they may never have considered. We want students to understand what jobs exist locally, what employers are looking for and, most importantly, how they can realistically get from the classroom into those opportunities.
“We also need to start early. Waiting until somebody has already disengaged from education or employment is too late. Meaningful engagement with employers while still at school can build confidence, broaden horizons, develop self-worth and make the world of work feel much more accessible.”
