Two young Teessiders have hit the ground running at a growing Middlesbrough events company after a new programme opened the door to the pair starting work.

Middlesbrough’s Layla Agiadis and Joshua Hugill both clinched positions at successful firm Axiom Events after support from the Tees Valley Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.

The Middlesbrough-based company has already reaped the benefits of having the two 21-year-olds on board – and it plans to keep the duo on in the long term.

Peter Shorten, Director of Axiom Events, said: “The Trailblazer has been great.

“Josh and Layla have really got a good attitude to work, and they’ve hit the ground running.

“It’s a good opportunity to get young people into decent employment.

“We like to train people ourselves and there is a big skillset in the Tees Valley. We’ve got good people in our team who handle training so it’s a good opportunity to bring young people through in the events industry in the North East.”

Launched earlier this year, the Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government and offers high-quality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions for young people aged 18 to 21 across the region who are currently not in work, education or training, helping them to build experience, confidence, and a pathway into lasting employment.

Axiom Events is a live events production company offering full technical production and support for events across the UK and Europe.

The team provides AV hire, lighting, rigging, staging and full venue production services for concerts, festivals, shows and other live events from their base at Skippers Lane Industrial Estate.

The Trailblazer offered them the opportunity to get more young people on their books.

Pete said: “We’re a growing firm – a team of 25 now – so we have a need for more people.

“The Trailblazer is a good opportunity for us to train them (Layla and Josh) with a view to us keeping them on in the longer term as well. It’s pushed us towards bringing on two new people at a time when, in the past, we may have waited until next year.

“By the time we get busy next year, we’re going to be ready and raring to go. The plan is to keep them on for the long term.”

Axiom Events has covered major events in the past 12 months – including providing its services for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Warehouse Manager Andy Mitchell has 20 years of experience in the industry, and helped oversee Axiom’s role in the Trailblazer to welcome Layla and Josh.

“Both of them came across really well,” said.

“They were asking a lot of questions, and they seemed a good fit for the team. They’ve been here a couple of months now and they’ve been outstanding. We’ve had absolutely no problems at all.

“They’re keen to learn and not afraid to work back if needed. They’re in the process of being trained through different roles in the business – they have really hit the ground running.”

Layla was looking for work after taking on a degree and was steered towards the Trailblazer by the Jobcentre.

“This is the industry I’ve always wanted to be in – I’ve always had a passion for music technology and events, and I’ve loved every bit of it,” she said.

“Nothing is the same day on day and you’re always learning something new – a lot of things I didn’t think I would.

“(The Trailblazer) was a really quick process – they were so lovely in their support.

“The team here is so helpful. Nobody hesitates to pull you aside and teach you something new. They make sure you’re welcome and comfortable.

“It’s one of the first jobs I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”

Joshua, from Acklam, found out about the programme through his family.

“The people have been great – they’re one of the main things I’ve enjoyed about being here.

“It can be hectic sometimes, and the job varies.

“I was looking for a job for a good year before starting here. When I started the Trailblazer, it only took me about a week-and-a-half – I wasn’t expecting to get involved so fast, which is good.”

Peter explained why the Trailblazer had been useful to Axiom.

He added: “It’s a good way to subsidise training and, for a small business like us, it does have a good impact because it gives us extra time with them to bring them up to speed with our systems.

“It aligns well with what we’re doing already – I’d definitely recommend it.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s brilliant to see one of our growing firms reaping the benefits of this programme already.

“We’ve laid the foundations for growth through big projects across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool but we need to continue to create more opportunities for our young people – and, crucially, give our companies the support they need to bring them on board.

“It’s always good to hear an endorsement for a project we’re backing, and I’d urge other firms to get in touch and get on board.”

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and for Employment, Education and Skills, added: “Layla and Josh are fantastic examples of what happens when young people are given the right support at the right time.

“The Trailblazer is providing real, sustained opportunities to step into skilled work and grow with successful local employers. I’d encourage more companies to take part, so even more young people can build their confidence, their experience and their future in our region.”

For young people wanting more information on the programme and to sign up follow this link.

For businesses wanting more information and to sign up to provide a placement, follow this link

For FAQs, go here: Youth Trailblazer FAQs – Work

Archive : Originally published by Tees Valley Combined Authority on 2025-12-11. The original publication date and featured image have been preserved.