Jenni Anderson, chief executive of The Talent Foundry, highlights the charity's mission to prepare students for the workplace, creating well-rounded and capable employees.

When your purpose is centred on increasing social mobility for young people, partnerships become catalysts of real value. At The Talent Foundry (TTF), a UK education charity, we’ve always put collaboration at the heart of our approach, working with industry partners to support young people in under-served communities.

We have a strong record of delivering long-term employability programmes that address a clear need. Students tell us they don’t know what skills are needed for the workplace, whilst employers report that many young people are not work-ready. TTF provides a trusted link between schools and employers, co-designing programmes to foster a shared understanding of the barriers to work.

Understanding each other’s goals and desired outcomes results in partnerships which go beyond ticking a box. We’re proud that the impact of our relationship with the rail industry was recognised as the Best Collaborative Approach at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2025. Working with Network Rail and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), we engaged over 13 rail organisations to deliver nationwide employability workshops and promote diversity in rail-related professions.

The foundation of any lasting partnership is genuine alignment. TTF’s mission is to enhance social mobility, and partnerships succeed when employers share this commitment. In 2025, with social mobility at its lowest in 50 years and nearly one million young people NEET, alignment matters more than ever. Too often, aspirations go unsupported due to limited school resources, personal networks and confidence. When both organisations put young people first, relationships  are built on strong, productive foundations.

As Amit Kotecha, early careers lead at Network Rail explains: “We have been working with TTF for five years to build a programme which excites young people and introduces them to the many diverse career opportunities within rail. Our staff volunteer at schools local to them to teach young people about what we do in rail, why we do it, and how they fit in.”

Clarity on expectations and outcomes is equally vital. Employers want to see how their investment translates into measurable impact, whilst young people benefit from programmes designed to improve skills, confidence and employability. Our partnerships create value for students, educators and volunteers. TTF ensures these expectations are clear from the outset, using independent evaluations and participant feedback to track impact and guide future strategy.

Respect for each partner’s contribution is another hallmark of success. TTF brings expertise in schools, facilitators and tailoring approaches to different age groups, whilst industry partners contribute specialist knowledge, career pathways and insights into the world of work.

“Employee volunteers provide students with meaningful insights into sectors across finance, rail and healthcare,” says Jenni Anderson, CEO at The Talent Foundry. “We rely on those ‘in the business’ to showcase what the world of work is like to the next generation. It’s authentic and honest and helps young people to see themselves in a role or industry that they never knew existed.”

Flexibility and adaptability are vital for long-term success. Successful partnerships evolve in response to feedback, local needs and changing contexts. Bringing employees into schools, tailoring content for age groups and responding to emerging challenges ensures programmes remain relevant and impactful. In uncertain times, the ability to pivot is crucial for breaking down barriers to visibility and inclusion.

TTF’s work benefits everyone involved. Students graduate with confidence, employability skills and insight into diverse career paths; teachers feel better equipped to provide relevant careers advice and volunteers gain meaningful engagement with communities. For partners, the return is more than reputational: employees feel connected and volunteer with purpose.

As one volunteer said: “We have an ageing employee population at East Midlands Railway, and as an industry in full. It is great to provide some inspiration for young people as they make early career decisions.”

TTF’s partnerships do more than open doors – they transform thousands of lives every year. Authentic collaboration is the key to unlocking young people’s potential, and the enduring partnerships we build prove the power of long-term commitment to an equitable future.