TEESSIDE youngsters were the first to graduate from Tata Steel’s Industrial Cadet scheme last year.

Tata Steel launched the pilot scheme for 13 and 14-year-olds in September following HRH the Prince of Wales’ visit to the Teesside steelworks in 2010.

The Prince was keen for the company to work with young people to increase their awareness of how a business operates, raise their aspirations and excite them about the job opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

The 24 successful applicants came from Bydales, Kirkleatham Hall, Rye Hills and Sacred Heart schools, as well as Redcar Community College.

Jon Bolton, director of Tata Steel’s Long Products business, said: “The industrial cadets really impressed us with their enthusiasm and keenness to learn about our business.

“I hope they took away with them a better understanding of what it is like to work for a multinational company like ours, as well as an appreciation of the varied and interesting roles available within the manufacturing and engineering sector.”

Following the successful pilot, Tata Steel is now hopeful it will be able to continue with the Industrial Cadet scheme in the near future.