Guest blog by Beth Edley – The Work-wise Foundation – Sales, Marketing and Project Trainee
The Work-Wise Foundation is an employer-led charity for STEM fields such as engineering and manufacturing, and beyond. We support the development of young people so they have the knowledge, skills, aptitude and opportunities for employment within the Sheffield City Region. 
The Work-wise Foundation has worked with Jenx for over 6 years and they have been a substantial supporter of The Work-wise Foundation and our work within the South Yorkshire region.
Over the years that we have worked with Jenx they have supported multiple programs that we do including:
Summer Academy
Jenx have been a host for our Summer Academy, Summer Academy sees students aged 14-18 in South Yorkshire where they learn all about employability skills and the world of work in the STEM sectors (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths/Manufacturing). Our Employability Academy programme is aimed at young people looking to broaden their understanding of the world of work that awaits them after education. Each programme is four days long held during the summer holiday allowing attendees to enhance their knowledge by getting practical experience working on a project supported by local employers.
Sector Routeways
This programme consists of a two-week training course followed by a two-week work placement. Previous candidates have had good success and secured paid work in the sector.
Jenx have supported our Sector Routeways program in giving work placements to our participants which have also led to full time employment for those people.
The Work-wise Foundation Employer Skills Academy (in partnership with The Sheffield College)
The College has partnered with a host of local, regional and national businesses to create their award-winning Employer Skills Academies. This provides an exclusive innovative teaching and learning programme, the academies aim to provide an outstanding technical and professional education for students.
Jenx have sent members of their team into the college to present to the apprentices on the course focusing on industry-relevant subjects.
Get up to Speed with STEM
Jenx has exhibited at Get up to Speed with STEM for 5 years.
Get up to Speed aims to introduce, inform and inspire students, parents and teachers on the world of work. Each event sees Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham filled with fun and interactive exhibits from local employers to showcase their industry and employment opportunties.
Over the years, Get up to Speed has impacted over 34,000 young people, opening their eyes to opportunities and introducing them to the world of work.
Industry Visits
We have organised industry visits where students get to have a tour of companies and organisations, the students get chance to ask questions about the world of work and what happens within the organisation, they can also speak to employees about their career stories.
Jenx have hosted some of these industry visits for our students.
Work Experience
Jenx have taken young people on for work experience which has been organised through The Work-wise Foundation. The work experience placement is a 2-week placement where the young individuals get to learn within the world of work.
Employers Together Forum
Our “Employers Together Forum” delivered in partnership with Tomorrow’s Engineers is an employer-led forum to collaborate, share best practice, knowledge and ideas to attract, develop, retain and nurture young talent – helping build the future talent pipeline. Jenx have been long-term supporters and members of this initiative. 
It is very important to us as an organisation that businesses like Jenx get involved and support us with our events and programmes so we can continue to deliver things like these to young people.
Howard Johnson, Quality and Health & Safety Compliance Manager at Jenx adds, “It has been a pleasure to work in collaboration with The Work-wise Foundation over the years and contribute towards the development and employment opportunities for young people within our region.”
For more information on The Work-wise Foundation, click here. (Work-Wise Foundation – Sharing Knowledge: Developing Skills)
This guest blog is part of our 40 stories for 40 years’ series, celebrating our partnerships over the years. Click here to read more blogs in this series.
