Testimonials
The Talent Foundry prides itself on levelling the playing field of opportunity so that every young person can achieve their full potential. In the last decade, we have organised and run fantastic bespoke programmes with our corporate partners that span many diverse industry sectors. We have offered these opportunities to the incredible young people in our schools network to help them develop the necessary skills to thrive in the future. Here are some of the testimonials from participating students, teachers and corporate partners, both past and present:
“The Talent Foundry continue to offer disadvantaged pupils in our geographically and socially diverse local area a unique opportunity that is highly valued by pupils, their parents, schools and our university. Not only is their provision unique but also self-contained in terms of the partnership reaching out effectively and coordinating all aspects of top quality delivery. Evaluations speak for themselves and we are proud partners that see a long future of need, opportunity and learning that together add up to one of our most valued collaborations with such impeccably professional providers.”
Dr John Blicharski, Access and Participation Manager, University of Dundee
“Over the course of the mentoring programme, I’ve watched my students progress and become more confident in themselves. These kinds of opportunities are so important for our young people, who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to experience something like this.”
Careers Lead, Space Studio West London
“Being an alumna of The Talent Foundry’s Inspire US programme undoubtedly changed my life. I am a British student pursuing my undergraduate degree at Harvard University and my journey is a testament to the power of The Talent Foundry’s educationally focused social mobility programmes.
I strongly believe that my Talent Foundry experience helped arm me with skills and cultural capital. I am eternally grateful to the opportunity I was given to take part in such a brilliant programme, for recognising my potential and enabling me to recognise my own.”
Student participant, Inspire US 2016
"One of the greatest joys of teaching is seeing the successes of your students. Through The Talent Foundry's 'MediaCom & Me' programme, I have had the absolute privilege of witnessing that process accelerate, and experiencing that joy; two of the students who attended the mentoring programme were offered places on MediaCom’s apprenticeship programme, and another two were offered work experience placements. "
Teacher, Skinners Academy
“Inspire US 2016 was the trip of a lifetime! It not only gave me life changing skills – such as campaigning (canvassing and on social media), problem solving, researching and presenting - but was an experience that raised my aspirations and opened the doors of opportunities.
Having Inspire US in my personal statement is definitely one of the main reasons I got 5 out of 5 offers when I applied for university – it allowed me to stand out from 99% of students applying to the politics courses. The trip has allowed me to pursue my future career as a diplomat with one foot in the door, it has not only proved to be successful on my CV but has always been a conversation starting point with academics and potential employers.”
Student participant, Inspire US 2016
"My experience with The Talent Foundry is one that I am very grateful for. I always wanted to pursue a career in media, but I had no idea how to get a foot in the door of the industry. However, that changed after my school was told about a six month mentoring programme called MediaCom & Me which was being run by The Talent Foundry.
I learnt about all the different areas of MediaCom, while also learning skills that would be helpful for my future, such as negotiation, public speaking and strategic thinking. Because we worked alongside mentors from the business, I was also able to meet loads of amazing people who work for MediaCom.
I applied for the MediaCom apprentice scheme and got in! Not many young people are aware of these opportunities and the bridges that TTF build create connections which can lead to the start of something amazing."
Student participant, MediaCom & Me
"The Bridge to MediaCom workshops were a well-structured, unique opportunity that gave me an insight into what it is like working within a professional media environment.
Getting this apprenticeship role has been a very proud moment for me as media has something I have been set on pursuing for the past two years and to get into a high profile media company right after leaving Sixth Form was something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do.
Without The Talent Foundry contacting my school it would have been much harder to gain such a direct opportunity to apply for a job in the industry. It is not often that you are given the chance to gain the relevant training and preparation for working in the media industry, and something which is much harder to teach at school. I am so grateful that I was selected, and I think this programme is just what people in my position need when they leave school."
Student at Carshalton Sports College, Bridge to MediaCom participant
"This was beneficial for me as I knew I wanted to go into media and was leaning more towards the apprenticeship route. The former execs which participated in the sessions really gave me faith to take the jump and go for the apprenticeship route, as they spoke so highly of their time involved in the scheme. As well as this, the sessions were very engaging, giving us break out opportunities to create ideas and respond to briefs which were relevant to the field/area of focus.
On top of the Bridge to MediaCom sessions, we had 1-to-1 coaching sessions and a session with Odgers. I personally was very grateful for both experiences as they gave us specific help and pointers on how to be better in interviews. I felt this helped me a great deal and I am not sure I would have been successful in my interview process if it was not for them.
Overall, the scheme as a whole was very enjoyable, it helped me on various aspects of my future, it continuously engaged us and gave me an insight into what day-to-day work looked like and what each field entails."
Student at Greenshaw High School, Bridge to MediaCom participant
"Thanks to the great sessions and all the help of The Talent Foundry with this programme, I have now secured an apprenticeship within the industry, and found that the sessions gave me a solid helping hand to prepare for all stages of the application process. It has also given me an excellent opportunity to start building the foundations to start my career, something I never thought I would have been able to do so soon after leaving school.
I found the coaching sessions particularly helpful as it gave a one-to-one learning opportunity, that I firmly believe played a big part in my preparation for the application process with my new apprenticeship. Furthermore, the Odgers sessions that gave us a look over a job application process, and thoroughly explored how we should prepare for the different stages were a big catalyst in allowing me to succeed in getting the apprenticeship.
Getting the apprenticeship with Wavemaker has meant that I can get one foot in the door at a well-known media agency, and that I can start my career in an area that I have wanted to go into since I first found out what media agencies do in my first GCSE Media lesson almost 6 years ago. I am really thankful to The Talent Foundry for approaching my teacher with this opportunity as I am not sure it would have been as easy for me to apply confidently for apprenticeships without the help of this programme. I cannot wait to start my apprenticeship and work in an industry that I do have a true passion for."
Student at Goffs Academy, Bridge to MediaCom participant
"Finding the right opportunities to raise aspirations in the STEAM sector has been a core aim of the Science department at Rockwood Academy. We have actively incorporated STEAM opportunities within the curriculum and enrichment provision.
Opportunities such as ABM’s JEEP programme evoke creativity and curiosity in our learners as well as promoting practical science skills and analytical skills. Through this initiative 20 of our Year 7 students are developing their understanding of facilities management and sustainable engineering. The students will be taking part in four in house workshops between November and February as well as a site visit. In their first two workshops students have been learning about the importance of engineering in building design and the uses of motors to generate sustainable energies. Students were eager to investigate and discover the impacts of different types of sustainable technologies; this lead to a fruitful discussion on the design of the new Rockwood Academy building! Throughout the workshops students have been exposed to different STEM disciplines and skills, which will help them to develop their project skills. As part of their project, our students have been working collaboratively to come up with their own sustainable engineering solution for Rockwood Academy which they will be showcasing to school leaders.
Our students loved the activities and were particularly enthusiastic about considering/discussing the design features of buildings and facilities. The different practicals really helped them to explore different scientific and technological ideas. The feedback from staff and students has been exceptionally positive!”
Teacher, Rockwood Academy