North East construction company supporting programmes for young people at local museums

Image: A young volunteer at Stephenson Steam Railway

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, is excited to announce a partnership with North East construction company, Hodgson Sayers to support the development of its programmes for young people. 

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums manages nine museums and galleries across Tyneside including the Great North Museum: Hancock, Discovery Museum, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery and Stephenson Steam Railway.  

Research shows that children and young people who participate in culture develop skills and behaviours that improve educational performance.  

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums delivers an award-winning programme of formal and informal learning activities focused on science, technology, engineering and maths, visual art and local heritage for pre-school to higher education.  

The museums and galleries engage over 150,000 children and young people in their learning programmes each year. Last year 78% of schools in Tyneside visited one of their venues at least once.  

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: 

“We’re thrilled that Hodgson Sayers are sponsoring our work with young people. We are committed to delivering learning experiences, volunteering opportunities and pathways for personal development for people of all ages and backgrounds but helping young people in our region gain the confidence, skills and experience to be the best that they can be is a particularly important part of our mission.” 

John Sayers, Managing Director of Hodgson Sayers said: 

“We absolutely recognise the importance of developing young people and allowing them to flourish and do great things. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our company and ensuring we give them the very best platform to grow is very important to us. Indeed, many of our young tradespeople have won regional and national honours for their skills. For this reason we see a very natural link with the programmes that we will be supporting alongside Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. 

“Moreover, Hodgson Sayers has a long and proud history of maintaining the wonderful heritage of the North East of England and we have, over four decades, helped restore many historic properties, including museums, so they can be used and enjoyed by future generations. In a very happy coincidence, the announcement of the partnership comes just as we have been shortlisted for the Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project in the Construction Awards of Excellence 2024 organised by the National Federation of Builders for our work on Crown Street Library in Darlington.” 

Founded in 1979 Hodgson Sayers is a specialist roofing, building maintenance and security products company with headquarters in Stanley, County Durham and a base in Nottingham.  

They have won a plethora of awards for the skills of their elite craftsmen and apprentices, have been listed as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK on three occasions and crowned national SME of the Year by the British Chambers of Commerce. 

The museum and gallery programmes for young people (aged 14-21yrs) that Hodgson Sayers are supporting include:  

Young volunteers - Young people can apply to volunteer at Stephenson Steam Railway and learn engineering skills to help run the heritage railway.  

Each year a new group of young people work with curators and artists to research and develop exhibitions and events at the Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery.  

Work experience – the museums and galleries offer work experience for 14-18 year olds and target work placements at young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Careers fairs –the museums hold careers fairs inviting local businesses and schools to attend to introduce young people to a range of employment and education pathways.  

Student placements – the museums offer student placements and volunteering opportunities working with universities in the region. 

Find out more about Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums: https://www.twmuseums.org.uk/ 

Find out more about Hodgson Sayers: https://hodgson-sayers.co.uk/