The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland is undergoing a transformation, thanks to an infusion of fresh talent. 

 Two graduates from Teesside University are now making their mark on the OPCC as part of 12-week, paid, summer internships through Teesside University. 

 Internships not only provide valuable learning opportunities but also give the organisation a fresh perspective on its work. 

 One of the interns, Qais Hussain, is a 21-year-old criminology graduate from Middlesbrough. 

 He is currently working as a Research and Analytical Support Officer for Cleveland's pioneering violence reduction partnership, CURV.  

 For Qais, this internship is an exciting step towards pursuing his dream of becoming a police detective.  

 He said: "This experience has opened my eyes to the realities of crime in Cleveland." 

 Joining Qais is Euan Howell. He is a 22-year-old psychology graduate, who is  originally from St Albans, Hertfordshire and now calls Middlesbrough home.   Euan is working closely with two of the OPCC's policy officers on diverse programs, ranging from the next stage of development for online policing app COPA to initiatives aimed at preventing antisocial behaviour. 

 Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Steve Turner, emphasised the significance of welcoming graduates into the fold and showcasing the rewarding career opportunities available in Cleveland.  

 He said: "Our brightest talents need not look elsewhere for meaningful work. Their contributions are vital in fostering a thriving economy in Teesside that can harness a wide range of skills, interests, and abilities." 

 Summer internships primarily target penultimate and final year students, offering them the chance to gain meaningful work experience with small and medium-sized employers in Teesside.  

 As the number of university-educated people in the UK rises, the job market has become fiercely competitive, with as many as 80 applicants vying for each popular post advertised. 

 A good degree is no longer enough to attract prospective employers. Today, work or volunteering experience is highly sought after, as employers want to see applicants demonstrate what they have learned "on the job" during the hiring process. 

 Steve said: “The OPCC's focus on fostering a collaborative and dynamic team, along with its commitment to retaining local talent, stands as a beacon of hope for Teesside's future.  

 “By investing in fresh faces and welcoming new perspectives, Cleveland OPCC paves the way for a thriving and united community where skill and dedication find ample opportunities to flourish.” 

 Vincent, Deputy Director Student and Library Services, at Teesside University, said: “Our summer internship scheme provides our recent graduates with the opportunity to collaborate with local employers and gain valuable experience in their chosen sector.  

“This has the dual benefit of enabling employers to access the valuable talent they need for their organisation at the same time as creating an accessible route for graduates to gain entry into the labour market.
“We are proud of our graduates and we believe their talents will continue to support the region to thrive.” 

 Notes to editors