SEND challenge helps build future skills

A regional employability initiative helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities prepare for the workplace has supported more than 600 students across the North East.

A total of 652 pupils from 16 schools and colleges took part in this year’s SEND Enterprise Challenge Week, which focused on building confidence, communication and employability skills.

The programme brought together students aged 11 to 24 with employers and organisations including Altrad, Speedy Hire, MGL Group, Cleveland Police and local colleges.

This year’s challenge centred around work experience and preparing for adulthood, with students creating their “ideal interview candidate” before presenting their ideas at a celebration event held at Billingham Forum Theatre.

A new addition for 2026 also saw students bid for a real catering contract linked to the event, with Beverley School, in Middlesbrough, selected to provide lunch for guests and judges.

Meanwhile, 50 students took part in workplace visits at organisations including TICA, Speedy Hire and Caswell Group.

Award winners included:

Most Successful Candidate – Mo Mowlam Academy
Most Creative Use of Recycled Materials – Hartlepool College
Most Imaginative Presentation – Catcote Sixth Form
Best Logo and Strapline – Abbey Hill Fairfax site
Most Impressive Candidate Name – KTS Academy
Amazing Communication Skills – River Tees MAT Grangetown and Mo Mowlam Academy
Amazing Creative Skills – Priory Woods Upper School
Excellent Teamwork Skills – Abbey Hill Fairfax site and Kirkleatham Hall School
Excellent Listening Skills – KTS Academy
Excellent Problem-Solving Skills – Hartlepool College
Excellent Positivity – Discovery Academy and Beaumont Hill Academy
Best Class Scrapbook – Catcote Academy Class 13
Most Enthusiastic Class – Abbey Hill Northshore Academy
Catering Bid Award Winner – Beverley School Catering Students

More than 400 students attended the final celebration event recognising achievements in creativity, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Jamie Yarker, from main sponsor Altrad, which supported the programme for the fourth consecutive year and provided 45 volunteers to mentor students and act as judges throughout the week, said: “We’re proud to continue supporting the SEND Enterprise Challenge and to play a role in helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.

“The enthusiasm and creativity shown by the students has been great to see, and we want it to make a real difference in opening up opportunities.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “We want every young person in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to feel confident about their future and the opportunities available.

“This challenge is a brilliant way of giving young people real experience, helping build skills and showing them just what they can achieve.

“It’s fantastic to see so many students getting involved, working with employers and taking those important first steps into the world of work.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education, employment and skills and leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “This programme is all about giving young people clear, practical support to help them prepare for adulthood and employment.

“The confidence, creativity and teamwork shown by students this week has been outstanding, and it’s been brilliant to see employers, schools and partners working together to support their development.”

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