(Image: Chris BOOTH)
More than 100 young people have found job opportunities through a Darlington scheme tackling unemployment and helping businesses fill vacancies.
The Darlington Employment Initiative (DEI) helps 18 to 21-year-olds not in work, education or training build confidence, skills and experience through paid placements.
Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy at Darlington Council, said: "There is a lot of young talent in Darlington and initiatives like this play an important role in raising aspirations and making sure our residents realise their potential.
"They also help minimise recruitment costs, support smaller businesses and help our local economy to grow and thrive."
Since August 2025, DEI has worked with 65 local employers and matched more than 100 young people with jobs across several sectors.
The scheme is funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Youth Trailblazer Guarantee Programme.
Employers can train and assess candidates through extended work trials before committing to permanent jobs.
Shape Patisserie & Bake and sister businesses Banqo, Influence Café and Number 8 Bakehouse have used the scheme.
The hospitality group struggled to recruit skilled bakers and front-of-house staff, so it offered placements to nine young people.
Eight have since secured permanent jobs, including 20-year-old Gabriel Howard, now an assistant chef at Shape Patisserie & Bake. He was homeless before starting his placement.
Mr Howard said: "This opportunity has been life changing and made finding a job straightforward and accessible.
"Not only have I developed practical skills and gained valuable work experience in a supportive environment, but I've also grown in confidence and, most importantly, I can now afford a place to live."
The funding helped the business train new staff while giving participants time and support to develop at work.
DEI now also supports working-age adults with physical or mental health conditions, including people signed off work, out of work because of ill health or disability, or facing other barriers to employment.
The service has moved to Enterprise House on Valley Street to make it more accessible to people with disabilities.
A new Youth Guarantee Trailblazer round has launched across Tees Valley, offering eligible young people up to five months’ work experience, careers advice and a dedicated key worker.
Councillor Lisa Evans, TVCA cabinet member for employment and skills, said: "The success of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer has been nothing short of fantastic so far.
"It is helping young people take their first steps into rewarding careers and giving employers confidence.
"We've already seen the difference it can make to people's lives, and now we want even more young people to come forward and be part of it.
Read more
Northumbrian Water backs Future Leaders programme in North East
DWP State Pension Age row takes new turn as Government responds to campaign
Tees Valley college group unveils ambitious Destination 2030 plan
"The results show what can be achieved when employers and support services work together.
"We want to build on that success and see even more young people gain confidence in their careers."
Young people can apply for Youth Guarantee Trailblazer support online at https://cognisoftform.azurewebsites.net/form/id/tees-valley-eoi.
Find out more about the Darlington Employment Initiative at www.darlington.gov.uk/DEI.