26 October 2026 Building an “Estate of Opportunity” and tackling inequality in Middlesbrough

Hundreds of young people across Middlesbrough are being given the chance to explore future careers, develop workplace skills and build professional networks through a collaboration designed to highlight opportunities and give students the confidence to succeed.

The New Perspectives programme, delivered in partnership with The Talent Foundry, Thirteen and Vision Building Services, is connecting students with employers across Teesside, broadening horizons and raising aspirations. The social mobility initiative is supporting Year 8 and 9 students from The King’s Academy, Acklam Grange, Trinity Catholic College and Outwood Academy Acklam.

Students are taking part in mentor-led activities designed to strengthen skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience. By working directly with professionals from a range of industries, participants are gaining first-hand insight into the world of work while learning more about local employment pathways.

The programme responds to a wider challenge facing communities across the UK. Where a young person grows up continues to shape the opportunities they encounter, the networks they can access and their future career prospects. By creating meaningful connections between local schools and employers, New Perspectives aims to bridge that gap and ensure that young people are equipped to make informed decisions about their futures.

As part of the project, students are working together to create a 3D “Estate of Opportunity,” a model housing development that aligns with Thirteen’s role as a housing association and gives students the chance to showcase the knowledge, skills and ambitions they have develop throughout the programme.

The model will be completed at a celebration event at Middlesbrough Town Hall in November, where students will bring together ideas and experiences gained throughout the programme. Following the event, the display will be exhibited at Middlesbrough Library until the end of the year, allowing the wider community to celebrate the achievements of participants.

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.

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.