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A new partnership has been launched across the region to help children understand their future career options from an earlier age and raise aspirations across the region.
Middlesbrough College and Lingfield Education Trust have signed a three-year agreement to strengthen education and career pathways for primary pupils.
The agreement will show primary pupils how education can lead to careers across the Tees Valley.
Emma Watson, Regional Hub Director at Lingfield Education Trust, said: "At Lingfield Trust we believe it is never too early to help children understand the opportunities available to them.
"By working with Middlesbrough College, we can broaden pupils' horizons, raise aspirations and help them make meaningful connections between their education and future careers.
"We are excited to provide experiences that inspire ambition and show every child that there are many pathways to success."
The partnership will give pupils careers advice and practical experience of key industries, further education and apprenticeships.
Year 5 pupils from Lingfield schools will attend a careers event at Middlesbrough College to meet employers and explore different industries.
The organisations’ leadership teams will stay in regular contact about local developments.
The partnership will also provide training and development for staff across Lingfield’s schools.
Gary Potts, deputy principal and CEO for skills and partnerships at Middlesbrough College, said: "Young people begin forming ideas about their futures long before they reach college, which is why it's so important that we create those connections early.
"Through this partnership, we can help pupils see the link between what they learn at school, the opportunities available across further education and training, and the careers they could build.
"By combining Lingfield Education Trust’s reach across primary education with our links to employers and our understanding of the skills the region needs, we can give young people and their families greater insight into the choices and opportunities ahead of them.
"Ultimately, we want every young person to feel informed, inspired and confident about their future."
Lingfield Education Trust oversees 26 primary schools across Teesside, Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire.
The trust also provides specialist education for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
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Middlesbrough College has more than 12,000 students, including around 2,000 apprentices, and offers technical courses, apprenticeships and T Levels.
It works with local employers to match training to the skills they need.
The three-year agreement will be reviewed regularly to track progress, measure its impact and find further ways for the organisations to work together.