Are We Doing Enough for Young People in County Durham? Skills Gaps, Apprenticeships, and Hidden Opportunities

Many young people in County Durham are ready to work, but opportunities, guidance, and skills training are falling short. Explore the local workforce challenge and why apprenticeships could be the answer for those who aren’t headed to college or university.

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The Tax Faculty

11/13/20251 min read

Skills Shortages and Workforce Challenges: A County Durham Reality

For young people in County Durham, the path from school to meaningful work isn’t always clear. We were recently contacted by a young man asking about apprenticeship opportunities. College and university weren’t the right path for him, but he was motivated, eager to learn, and ready to contribute. He wanted guidance, to know where to look, and how to access jobs he might enjoy — but opportunities felt limited and confusing.

His story is typical of so many young people in our region. Motivated and capable, they are ready to work, yet often don’t know where to start and are held back by a number of factors-transport, qualifications, self-confidence and sadly a lack of insight into what they actually WANT to do for a living.

At the same time, local businesses struggle to find staff with the right skills. In sectors like manufacturing, services, and tourism, a lack of highest-grade skills and workforce training is slowing growth. Only 37% of visitor economy businesses feel current training meets their workforce needs. The gap between available talent and employer requirements is clear, and it leaves many young people unsure of how to connect with the jobs that exist.

Are we doing enough to bridge this divide? Apprenticeships, entry-level roles, and supported pathways could unlock real potential for both young people and businesses. But these opportunities need to be more visible, better supported, and actively promoted. Mentoring, guidance, and practical training can help young people develop the skills they need while giving businesses the staff they’re desperately seeking.

County Durham has incredible potential in its workforce, yet too many young people are left without clear routes into meaningful work. The question is simple but urgent: are we doing enough to connect motivated young people with the opportunities they deserve, and to equip them with the skills to thrive in the jobs of today — and tomorrow?

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