A pioneering local partnership is introducing primary-aged children to hands‑on trades in a bid to broaden career horizons and promote practical education in Stockton‑on‑Tees.
Early exposure to practical skills
Seven boys from St Bede’s Catholic Academy, aged between eight and 11, completed a six-week Skills Launchpad programme run at Stockton Riverside College. The course gave participants supervised, practical taster sessions across a range of skilled trades and care disciplines.
The scheme was developed jointly by St Bede’s head teacher, Bernadette Rizzi‑Allan, and Grant Glendinning, chief executive and group principal of the Education Training Collective, the organisation that includes Stockton Riverside College. It comes as the new prime minister has pledged to put technical education on a par with academic study.
What the children experienced
Across the six weeks the pupils were introduced to:
- Bricklaying
- Motor vehicle maintenance
- Painting and decorating
- Electrical installation
- Carpentry and joinery
- Health and care
A small table summarises the participants and activity:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of pupils | 7 boys |
| Age range | 8–11 years |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Venue | Stockton Riverside College |
School leaders on the scheme
“These boys are genuinely lovely children, full of character and far more capable than they often realise,”
Mrs Rizzi‑Allan said the initiative aimed to spark interest early, so children could see how a practical skill might translate into a future career. She added that not every pupil is engaged by traditional classroom subjects and that discovering interests through hands‑on work can be “a revelation” for some.
Organisers emphasised the importance of giving pupils confidence, reminding them that trades are achievable with support, effort and belief. They also highlighted local pride and aspiration, using the school’s motto to encourage wider horizons: “Heart in Stockton, eyes on the world.”
Local context and next steps
The programme is being expanded, organisers said, at a time when national policy is shifting towards promoting technical and vocational routes alongside academic pathways. The local partnership model reflects a growing emphasis on connecting schools and further education providers to build a skills pipeline and show children the range of work options available to them.
For parents and guardians in Stockton‑on‑Tees, the scheme offers a practical route for young children to explore trades without committing to a particular career path. The college and school are now planning to extend the programme to reach more pupils in the area.
Further information about future cohorts and how local schools can take part is expected to be released by the Education Training Collective and participating schools.
This local initiative illustrates how schools and colleges in Stockton are responding to national conversations about the value of vocational education by giving primary pupils direct, supervised experience of skilled work.
