Trailblazing trio find feet at Network Notwork

A Teesside-based business support organisation is helping young people build skills and confidence through a regional employment programme designed to open doors into work.

Network Notwork, based in Wynyard, has welcomed three young recruits through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme, supporting their first steps into the workplace while contributing to the organisation’s own growth. 

Winnie House, Nathan Walker and Aman Sanju joined the not-for-profit through the programme and have already developed a broad range of practical and professional skills.

Led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer provides paid work placements and work taster opportunities for young people across the region, helping them gain experience and move towards sustained employment.

Founded in January 2024 by husband-and-wife team Michael and Kat Carruthers, Network Notwork offers a free co-working and networking space focused on collaboration, community and business growth. 

The organisation supports entrepreneurs and business owners through events, connections and informal peer support.

Michael explained the Trailblazer had allowed them to offer hands-on, relevant experience to those taking part.

He said: “As a programme to help young people, I think it's amazing because it gives the employers some flexibility in terms of training them up, and it gives them flexibility in terms of getting them able to do work.”

Kat added: “To me, having a three-month placement and a six-month placement gives you that opportunity to grow and develop.

“And that’s what I’ve seen with the young people that we’ve got now.

“From those months ago when they first started, it makes me really proud that they’ve had that opportunity. 

“To see them grow, to change and grow in confidence, I’ve absolutely loved.”

One of the recruits, Winnie House, combines her role as a business administration apprentice with running a creative side business producing bespoke pin badges. 

Her placement followed a short training period through the scheme and has helped her gain workplace experience while developing her enterprise skills.

Winnie added: “This is the happiest place I’ve ever been in – I love being here. 

“I’m more chatty now. 

“I used to be such a shy person, but, over time, I've really come out of my shell.

“When you're struggling to find a job, and you don't know much about having your own business, it can be really confusing because you don’t know where to start.

“But I think this has armed me with what I need to go out and do it.

“If I didn't join the Trailblazer, I don't know if I'd have a job right now because the market is so difficult at the moment. 

“I was awfully lucky that this came to me because it gives you a chance to prove yourself.”

The Trailblazer scheme is open to 18 to 21-year-olds in the Tees Valley who are not in education, employment or training, with wages fully funded for participating employers and additional support available for training and upskilling.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Stories like this show exactly why the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer matters. 

“Winnie, Nathan and Aman have all been given the chance to prove what they can do, build real skills and gain confidence, while a growing organisation like Network Notwork gets fresh talent and new ideas.

“This is about opening doors for young people and giving our businesses the support they need to invest in them, so everyone benefits.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education, employment and skills, added: “It’s brilliant to see how much progress these young people have made in such a short space of time in our borough. 

“The Trailblazer is helping to level the playing field by giving young people practical experience, support and encouragement, while also helping employers nurture talent that might otherwise be overlooked. 

“That combination is already making a real difference.”

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