Tina Taylor from Tridonic picked up the award on behalf of the team at Spennymoor

Members of the team from Tridonic’s Spennymoor Manufacturing and R&D Facility have picked up a regional award for its dedication and commitment to educating the next generation, through a range of STEM-based initiatives.

Working with the local schools, colleges and the Northeast Institute of Technology, Tridonic has launched an extensive programme of learning opportunities that include apprenticeships, T-levels and NVQ Level 2 qualifications, and exposure to STEM in action, for younger students.

The award recognises the number of hours spent by Tridonic’s six STEM ambassadors – who work across different departments from within the business – who actively participate in school visits; host factory tours and assist in the education and training of students on a range of qualifications.

Over 3,000 children and young people have been engaged through the scheme, from school talks to completion of one of a host of qualifications. The successful programme has resulted in two students being offered permanent employment at Tridonic.

Ben Kennard, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager at Spennymoor, enrolled Tridonic onto the programme. He said: “This award is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication from our six STEM ambassadors, who are members of the team from different departments within the site, who take time out of their working week to help educate young people and encourage them to examine a career in this field.

“Getting involved with the programme was my way of giving something back to the next generation, while ensuring a pipeline of talent for future generations – something that is under constant threat in our sector.

“The award is a great reflection on the team’s hard work and we are looking forward to growing our programme by recruiting more ambassadors to help engage with and enthuse more young people through our technologies and expertise – and ultimately – offer more employment opportunities to students across the Northeast.”

Dawn Ross, STEM Hub Liaison Coordinator at RTC North, said: “We are delighted to give Tridonic this award for the ‘largest number of active STEM Ambassadors from a North East SME’ Since they first registered they have shown such commitment to the programme. It’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of their team.”