Sky’s the limit for Darlington trainee

A Darlington-based industrial access firm is supporting young talent while strengthening its workforce through a regional employment programme.

Hightech Industrial Access has taken on 19-year-old Tyler Alexander through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, helping the teenager take his first steps into a career in industrial access after leaving college last year. 

Just three months into his placement, Tyler is already building experience in a specialist role that involves working at height and in confined spaces across multiple industries.

He said: “It’s an amazing job. 

“With the opportunities I’ve been getting from James and all the people working here, 

“I couldn’t be any luckier.

“I was not expecting this to be honest. 

“It was a scare but a good one. 

“I’ve never really had an opportunity like this and it’s amazing.”

Founded in 2021, Hightech provides rope access and platform-based services for sectors including construction, renewable energy, engineering, shipyards and petrochemical sites. 

The company has expanded rapidly and now operates across three continents, with bases in Ghana and Saudi Arabia.

James Somers, director of Hightech Industrial Access, added: “It’s not for the faint of heart and you need a decent head for heights.

“Tyler's been fantastic.

“He was recommended to me through Steve Winterburn, at Darlington Borough Council, and came to us for a taster session prior to enrolling on the Trailblazer programme.

“He was here for the day with Jordan, his supervisor on site.

“Jordan just got him on the ropes, had him do a few things and he phoned me up to say: “Employ him – he’s brilliant”.

“We were building mezzanines in October and for anything we needed assistance with, he was there.

“If we needed a hammer, he already had it in his hand before we even had to ask for it. 

“He was just so proactive with everything he was doing – he can read and judge what you need on site.

“He’s just a really, really good asset to the company.”

As part of his placement, Tyler is being supported through a range of qualifications, with the potential to work internationally as his skills develop. 

James added: “We’ve got five guys in Saudi Arabia, and we need to start planning for situations where any of one of them wants to leave the project.

“By training the likes of Tyler to be in the next group, he's available to work in Saudi Arabia.

“If he continues doing what he has for us, he really has got a great opportunity working for Hightech.”

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, which is being led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, supports young people across the Tees Valley into paid work placements while helping employers access funded wages and training support.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is exactly what the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is about – backing our young people and giving them a real start with ambitious local firms like Hightech.

“Tyler has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, and in just a few months he’s already showing the kind of drive and talent our businesses need.

“By taking the pressure off employers and opening doors into skilled work, this programme is making a difference right now – helping young people build proper careers and giving companies the confidence to invest in the next generation.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education, employment and skills, added: “Tyler’s story shows what happens when the right support meets the right attitude.

“The Trailblazer is giving young people the chance to gain confidence, skills and real workplace experience, while helping employers like Hightech grow and plan for the future.

“We’re already seeing the impact across our region, and I’d encourage more businesses and young people to get involved and make the most of these opportunities.”

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