The Talent Foundry

As we reach half-term, we're reflecting on an incredible start to the academic year at The Talent Foundry.   ✨ From dynamic workshops to inspiring student interactions, it's been a fantastic half term so far.   None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, mentors and partners. Whether you've shared your expertise at an in-school workshop, guided a group at an office workshop, or simply been a listening ear for our students, your efforts have made a real difference. Thank you for your time, passion, and dedication!   💡 Want to inspire the next generation? We're seeking more passionate volunteers and mentors to join us in supporting our career-readiness workshops in Greater Manchester, Teesside, Blackpool and more, to open doors for young people. 👉 Interested in volunteering? Email us at info@talentfoundry.org.uk to get involved!    Wishing our school network a happy half term!   #TheTalentFoundry #Education #Careers #SocialMobility #Volunteer #NationalMentoringDay #HalfTerm

Thank you ABM UK! We're looking forward to a further year of amazing support together - helping young people consider their options into facilities management and #STEM careers. #SocialMobility #SharedPurpose #Partnership #Education #YoungPeople #FacilitiesManagement

Thank you Westminster Foundation for inviting The Talent Foundry to the social mobility and aspirations roundtable with representatives working with young people across London. We're committed to helping to solve the societal, economic and political barriers to young people achieving their full potential and working together on innovative solutions. Thank you to all the amazing charities we met and the Westminster Foundation team who convened a brilliant workshop. Together we can enable young people to change the world! #Collaboration #Aspirations #SocialMobility #Education #YoungPeople

New report out from Speakers for Schools on 'assumed knowledge' and the barriers this poses to social mobility. The report highlights new evidence that young people from more privileged backgrounds are more confident and adept at navigating their way through the education system and into work. 💡 60% of pupils from non-graduate parents vs 81% with graduate parents know the value of networking 💡 The proportion of young people who have the confidence to speak to senior individuals is 49% (non-grad parents) vs 65% (grad parents) 💡 Less advantaged pupils report less access to advice, guidance and mentorship. The more sources of advice drawn on, the better the young person ‘scored’ on measures of assumed knowledge. This is why relatable role models and volunteering is a key part of our programmes in schools to build confidence and break down barriers in assumed knowledge. From our recent work in Middlesbrough and Rochdale, over 95% of young people involved in our programmes said that working with volunteers and mentors was a real benefit to them. Thank you Speakers for Schools for this important research, which you can download and read from their website: https://lnkd.in/eCqKS38v

With 37% of young people worried that they do not have the digital skills to get a good job (King's Trust, 2023), we've been working with Dell Technologies and SAS to showcase the skills and career pathways into technology and data science. This week, our CEO, Jenni spoke to the team Capacity Media - a techoraco brand about her career journey and why working together with industry can bring benefits young people and business in reducing the digital skills gap. #talent #SocialMobility #technology #telecoms #DataScience #CharityPartnership

Congratulations to the top 75 businesses in The Social Mobility Foundation's Social Mobility Employer Index launched today. We were pleased to see our partners, KPMG, Mace, PwC UK, Severn Trent placing in the top 75, alongside many member firms of our Rise initiative championed by ICAEW. As The Social Mobility Foundation highlights in its 2024 insights report, there's still more we can do together to improve getting in and getting on for those from a lower socioeconomic background. For example... 💡 35% of entrants still don’t target school outreach based on the number of pupils eligible for free school meals, even though this is the best indication of low income on an individual level. 💡 Just 52% that offer internships ringfence them for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Young people from these backgrounds often face barriers in applying for competitive internships. Ringfencing some or all internships and ensuring they’re paid can help overcome these challenges - something we've supported Hook with for several years. You can read further recommendations from the Foundation, and plan your entry for next year via their website: https://lnkd.in/eDNunVQZ #SocialMobility #EmployerIndex #Employability #YoungPeople

Our team joined the award nominees last night at the annual Education Estates® Exhibition | Conference | Awards celebration of innovation, sustainability and inclusion across the built economy within education. We were delighted to be the event's chosen charity. Our CEO, Jenni Anderson, joined host Hugh Dennis on stage to thank guests for their commitment to improving young people's ability to learn in new and refurbished amazing spaces across schools, colleges and universities. The evening raised over £5,000 to support our work in underserved communities across the UK, and a special thank you to Nexus Associates who donated the winning Heads n Tails prize. 🏆 Congratulations to all nominees and winners. The awards were the culmination of day 1 of the Education Estates conference which saw Minister for Education, Stephen Morgan MP talk to delegates about the school rebuilding programme and the need for climate resilience across estates. We're back for day 2 today! You can find our team in the EduCafe next to the main stage, where we're ready to talk about our 2025 cycle challenge, apprenticeships into construction and providing lightbulb moments in schools. [We may have recruited a new member of the team from the Dulux exhibition stand] Morgan Sindall Construction, Reds10, Willmott Dixon, Flywheel IT Services, Nexus Associates Julia Canavan, Maria Matei, Olivia Frazer, STEP CONNECT2

Creating positive, inspiring and sustainable learning environments is key to enhancing young people’s education and development. Which is why we’re delighted to be at Education Estates® Exhibition | Conference | Awards this week to speak to those who are at the forefront of shaping spaces, infrastructure and buildings so they are fit for the next generation. Our team will be catching up with our cycle teams from Morgan Sindall Construction, Reds10, Willmott Dixon and Flywheel IT Services and Nexus Associates – and planning 2025’s European challenge event, as well as joining guests and the Department for Education and Skills at the prestigious Education Estates Awards dinner later tonight. We’ll also be part of the People’s Awards tomorrow with our Bridge to Construction partner, Mace. If you are attending the event, you can find our team in the EduCafe, next to the main stage. Please come and say hello to learn about our skills and employability programmes in schools and how we support your business develop future talent. Thank you James Lee for your support and for championing our charity at the annual awards dinner. We were founded 15 years ago with supporters from the construction industry and we're super excited to be back within the sector celebrating the best of the built economy and its impact on young people. Jenni Tomblin MSc, Sean Mitchell, Maria Matei, Julia Canavan, Olivia Frazer, Philip Slater MRICS #Construction #Careers #EmergingTalent #Employability #Skills #Education

💚💭 Celebrating World Mental Health Day: Prioritising Wellbeing for All In today’s fast-paced world, looking after our mental health is crucial. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we at The Talent Foundry want to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing in both life and work. Our team includes four mental health first aid-trained ambassadors Lydia Flannigan, Tehmeena Chattha, David M. and Maria Matei who lead the way in advocating for mental health awareness. They have cultivated a positive workplace culture around mental health, where open discussions and support are encouraged. As a remote team, we have monthly in-person days, ensuring we dedicate time to activities that nurture mental wellbeing. From colouring sessions to reflective discussions on what we individually do to care for our mental health, we make sure we look after ourselves and each other. To our students, teachers, partners, and volunteers, we encourage you to prioritise your mental health with these tips: Take breaks: Short pauses can boost productivity and clarity. Stay connected: Reach out to others—simple chats can lift spirits. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, like art, exercise or mindfulness. Let’s continue to champion mental health, not just on this day, but every day. By supporting each other, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. Happy World Mental Health Day! #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialMobility #Wellbeing #TheTalentFoundry

Our team were delighted to support the #BuildingBetterFutures Corporate Responsibility Roadshows again this year, and for the first time ever, with students in tow! Along with our M&G plc colleagues, we welcomed 26 young people from across London into the Fenchurch Avenue offices for a Masterclass on Risk and Technology, which provided the young people a unique insight into how a global business like M&G operates. Feedback from the students has highlighted just how much of an impact sessions like these can have on young people: 💥 "The experience was truly enriching, and I hope we can have this opportunity again in the future! All speakers and staff delivering the workshop were very understanding, welcoming and respectful. They also created a comfortable atmosphere for us to speak our ideas and opinions." 💥 "Topics were well-researched, and case studies provided real-world context that enriched the learning experience. The materials and resources shared were useful for participants to take away.' 💥 "The workshop was absolutely fascinating with a good theoretical input and practical sessions which brought the topics to life in a way I never imagined." This is the second in a series of Masterclasses that TTF and M&G plc colleagues are designing and delivering to our students across the UK, and we couldn't be more excited about what's to come...stay tuned! Huge thanks to the M&G team for making this possible: Jeanette Tsang Milen M. Ilham Y. Jane Rawnsley Lynda Harry Alison Westhead Zara Sajid Cate Smith Miranda Sikkens