Young people from across Hartlepool have been celebrated for the skills, confidence and experience they have built through supported internships and community volunteering.
An awards event brought together interns, volunteers, families, employers and supporters to recognise achievements made through programmes designed to help young adults develop practical experience and move towards greater independence and employment.
Some of the young adults also took to the stage for a question-and-answer session, giving them the chance to speak about their own experiences in front of the audience.
Hartlepool Borough Council’s supported internship programme works with young people who have , giving them structured experience in real workplaces alongside tailored support. The celebration also recognised community volunteers whose work has helped them develop skills while contributing locally.
The event included awards for supported interns working with Hartlepool Borough Council and Asda, alongside recognition for community volunteers.
It was a useful reminder that routes into work do not all have to look the same. With the right support and opportunities, practical experience can give young people a chance to show employers what they can do while building confidence for whatever comes next.
: Hartlepool Borough Council. Read the original council story for further details and photographs.