Young voices shape new Teesside magazine

A new magazine written by young journalists is set to launch across the Tees Valley to inspire the next generation about careers, education and opportunities.

The NetWORKer Junior is being created by the team at Careers Navigator in partnership with SASS media, with its first edition due to be published this autumn.

Aimed at readers aged from eight to 18 and above, the publication will feature interviews with regional business owners and leaders alongside careers guidance, wellbeing advice and information about education and training.

Uniquely, its content is being produced by junior journalists aged between six and 19, supported by qualified journalists and designers.

Young contributors have been involved in researching and writing features as well as photographing behind-the-scenes content, with the magazine co-edited by Sarah Dale and 12-year-old Alice Carruthers.

Sarah, who is co-founder and director of SASS media, said: “At SASS, supporting young people has always been something close to our hearts.

“I worked as an emotional wellbeing practitioner for several years, supporting children and young people to better understand and manage their emotions, build resilience and develop strategies to navigate the challenges life can bring.

“Long before I worked in primary education, and while I was a journalist in a busy newsroom, I became a business volunteer at a couple of primary schools in Middlesbrough, listening to children read and helping them develop confidence and a love of learning.

“It is a simple act, but one that can have a huge impact.

“For many children, having an adult take the time to listen, encourage and celebrate their progress can make a lasting difference.

“These experiences have reinforced something we strongly believe: every young person deserves access to positive role models and opportunities that help them recognise their potential.

“That belief is one of the reasons we are proud to be launching The NetWORKer Junior magazine this autumn.”

Alice added: “Our magazine is important because it brings together lots of topics that matter to young people including careers, wellbeing, art, hobbies, business and everyday life.

“It gives young people useful advice and information while also inspiring them to explore their interests and think about their future.

“The magazine is a place where young people can learn new things, discover different career opportunities, express themselves creatively and feel supported with their wellbeing.

“Most importantly it gives young people a voice and creates something that is interesting positive and relevant to them.”

Produced for NetWORK NotWORK CIC and Careers Navigator, the magazine aims to showcase different routes into employment and entrepreneurship.

Readers will be introduced to a range of career paths, courses, qualifications and work experience opportunities through real-life stories and practical advice.

The publication will also emphasise that successful careers do not necessarily follow a traditional route, highlighting alternatives to university and the varied journeys taken by entrepreneurs and professionals.

Dr Kat Carruthers, founder and director of Careers Navigator and NetWORK NotWORK CIC, added: “By sharing honest stories and experiences from real people, The NetWORKer Junior helps young readers understand that there are many paths to success and that setbacks, challenges and changes of direction are often part of the journey.

“For many children and teenagers, simply hearing from someone who has overcome obstacles, followed their ambitions or discovered a career they love can be incredibly powerful.

“Representation matters.

“Seeing people from different backgrounds, industries and experiences succeed helps young people believe that they can succeed too.

“At a time when many young people face uncertainty about their futures, access to reliable information, positive encouragement and relatable role models has never been more valuable.

“The future workforce is currently sitting in our classrooms. Future engineers, nurses, journalists, teachers, business owners, scientists, artists and leaders are all growing up in our communities right now.

“The responsibility we all share is to help them believe in themselves and provide the tools, knowledge and support they need to achieve their goals.

“If we want young people to grow into confident, capable and compassionate adults, we need to ensure they see those qualities reflected in the people around them.

“That is why initiatives like The NetWORKer Junior matter so much.

“They provide inspiration, practical guidance and real-world insight at a stage in life when confidence and ambition are still being shaped.

“Most importantly, they remind young people that their future is full of possibilities.”

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