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Home > Case studies > Platten Family Fund helps young people launch careers at the Port of Blyth 

Platten Family Fund helps young people launch careers at the Port of Blyth 

A grant of £10,000 from the Platten Family Fund at Community Foundation North East has helped two young people begin successful careers at the Port of Blyth. Awarded in May 2022, the grant part-funded an apprenticeship programme designed to support the Port of Blyth’s STEM and Greenpower initiatives. The programme offered training in business administration, marketing and communications, and event management; key areas that help promote the Port’s educational outreach and engagement work.

The funding enabled the Port to recruit two apprentices, Niamh Dougan and Jayden Herron, who supported event bookings for the STEM and Greenpower projects, resource management and general communications. Niamh and Jayden also assisted across various events at the Port of Blyth, including breakfast briefings and a careers fair at the Energy Central Learning Hub. Both have since progressed into full-time roles at the Port, and their success has encouraged Energy Central Campus, of which Port of Blyth is a founder partner, to recruit two further apprentices.

Ross Wilson, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the Community Foundation, said:

“This is a brilliant example of how philanthropy can unlock opportunities for local young people. The Platten Family Fund’s support has not only helped Niamh and Jayden take their first steps into meaningful careers but also encouraged the Port of Blyth to continue investing in apprenticeships. It’s a lasting legacy of what thoughtful giving can achieve”.

Niamh Dougan, now Marketing Executive at the Port of Blyth, said:

“Completing my apprenticeship was without doubt the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me so many opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge… I’m especially grateful for the support of funders like the Platten Family Fund, whose backing enabled me to begin this journey and grow both professionally and personally”.

Community Foundation North East continues to support initiatives like this that help young people thrive and enable local organisations to build capacity and deliver lasting impact.