Home

WHO ARE WE?

The Work-wise Foundation is an employer-led charity who support the development of young people so they have the knowledge, skills, aptitude and opportunities for employment within South Yorkshire and beyond.

The Work-wise Foundation helps the private sector take the lead in preparing young people for employment and rewarding careers. We do this by establishing links, developing programmes on training and practical guidance, and connecting employers with their future employees.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

For Individuals

For Individuals

We can help young people in a number of ways, helping to get you ready as an individual for the world of work and introduce you to opportunities available.

For Employers

For Employers

We can help you connect with young people and help you open new opportunities to improve your business, increase your workforce and build on your current employees’ knowledge and experience.

For Educators

For Educators

We provide an array of hands-on experiential opportunities, which help you support the young people in your care, readying them for the world of work.

OUR HEADLINE EVENTS

Get up to Speed with STEM is a live, annual, one-day showcase event which aims to introduce, inform and inspire students, parents and teachers about the world of work in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing (STEM) sectors. It’s a superb, highly interactive careers showcase which, for over ten years, has promoted STEM-related career opportunities to over 34,000 young people, educators and families from across the Sheffield City Region and beyond.

Bringing young people, educators, scientists and businesses together to explore the future of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) in the South Yorkshire Region. Created by Professor Brian Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE in 2012, the amazing Science Summer School programme aims to make Britain the best place to do science and engineering, by inspiring the UK’s next generation of young scientists, engineers and inventors.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US?

"Having taken part in North Star for the first time in 2023 I was impressed by how well the event, including the co-development of workshops with schools was run. The Work-Wise Foundation team supported me every step of the way before, during and after the event. The whole team clearly share the same passion and dedication and the smooth running of such a large and complex event is a credit to their hard work and dedication. I have already booked to take part in Get up to Speed with STEM 2024 and I look forward to working together on future events."

VolkerRail

Caroline Lee, Senior Social Value Advisor

"Ben has been full of beans after today's sessions and we have found it very interesting listening to all he has learnt today so thank you very much...I just wanted to say thank you very much for organising and running the Academy this week. Ben has had a really excellent week, has found it really interesting and learnt a lot and has come away really energised and motivated about his future in STEM. Please pass on our thanks to all involved at the different locations...I am so glad that Penistone Grammar School sent on the details of this opportunity and that I spotted it! Ben has expressed an interest in attending any future Get Up To Speed events that are planned and I'm sure he would happily do this week again next year if that is allowed and the itinerary different enough."

Summer Academy 2023

Parent of Student

"We have been working in partnership with The Work-Wise Foundation for the last 8 years. As an organisation that work selflessly for the benefit of Young People, I could praise them more and wish that the rest of the Region that I cover had similar motivated organisations. The British Army has worked with The Work-wise Foundation through-out the years on ‘Get Up to Speed with STEM’ annually, Summer Academy, North Star Science School and for the last two years we have collaborated on forming International Women’s Day Workshops. I have been proud to see how each time we have worked in partnership we have enhanced the projects for the benefit of the Young People and their development."

British Army

Major Kate Hannaford

"At Esh Construction we are committed to developing a future workforce that has practical skills and experiences by positively shaping career aspirations through STEM opportunities. Working with The Work-wise Foundation, we are proud to raise career aspirations and change perceptions of the construction industry across the South Yorkshire region. The foundation is a passionate charity that helps to facilitate our social value and STEM programme delivery, bringing not only educational opportunities to young people, but inspiring the wider community too."

Esh Construction

Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager (Yorkshire)

NEWS

Find out what is happening in our world of work..

Manufacturing Meets Inspiration: A Pioneering Schools Roadshow Programme delivered by The Work-wise Foundation in collaboration with Make UK!

30 Oct

Celebrating Young Creativity: Get in the Spirit Competition Winners Visit Vulcan XH558

27 Sep

The Work-wise Foundation May Round-Up

17 Jun

South Yorkshire schools aim high in 2024

08 May

Our Partners & Supporters