nBS Foundation: boosting economic and employment opportunities

Built around five core pillars of impact, the nBS Foundation aims to give back to the communities around nBS’ offices in Solihull and Leeds as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The nBS Foundation now has a total commitment of £10 million from nBS to help improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of its communities, with a targeted focus on the following core areas of impact:

• Celebrating environmental sustainability
• Championing diversity and inclusion
• Helping the vulnerable
• Boosting economic and employment opportunities
• Supporting families and young people

Boosting economic and employment opportunities

This article highlights the nBS Foundation’s efforts to boost local economic growth and enhance access to regional talent. Through initiatives such as apprenticeships, skill-building workshops and investments in training and mentorship schemes, the nBS Foundation is creating brighter futures across the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Here are two examples of the projects supported so far:

Building future skills 

Yorkshire-based Building Futures Together’s (BFT) goal is to provide young people with practical experience in the construction industry while they’re still in education.

It aims to help them recognise the industry's benefits as a valuable career path, support those facing educational challenges, and encourage those who’ve fallen behind to explore alternative options for their futures. As not all students are academically inclined, BFT offers pupils an alternative by providing high-quality work experience, career guidance, and opportunities within the construction industry.

The nBS Foundation donated £32,880 to BFT, which will deliver hands-on vocational sessions in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades to 30 disengaged or disadvantaged young people aged 13-18. These weekly training sessions at BFT’s facility will help develop students’ skills, confidence, and employability, and support them in finding apprenticeship or job opportunities.

Carving out better futures

The Jericho Foundation is an award-winning charity based in Birmingham which is dedicated to providing supported work opportunities for people facing significant employment challenges. Its primary focus is on helping marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery.

One of the Jericho Foundation’s initiatives, Wood Shack in Balsall Heath, repurposes excess wood from construction customers into products like furniture and custom items. By equipping its team with advanced carpentry and digital sales skills, the team creates sustainable products and diverts wood from landfill.

Thanks to £39,286 from the nBS Foundation, the Jericho Foundation will provide practical training for staff and apprentices, create two new apprenticeship placements, and boost revenue. This support not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters broader social enterprise growth.

Enhancing economic and employment prospects across E.ON

Through projects like these, the nBS Foundation is supporting futures – helping to build better communities across the Midlands and Yorkshire.

But E.ON’s support doesn’t stop there. From free curriculum-linked educational resources through our New Energy Academy, to upskilling and reskilling people through our Net Zero Academy, plus our range of award-winning apprenticeship schemes, we’re committed to creating the talented green skills workforce needed to deliver the transition to a new, cleaner energy world.