E.ON supports young talent through SOFEA Construction Skills Programme

We’re proud to work with SOFEA – a charity which provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, helping to create brighter futures for young people facing significant barriers to education and employment.

We’ve supported in the delivery of a three-week course delivered in collaboration with construction company Careys at their newly launched pilot Construction Campus at Oxford North, the new innovation district in Oxford which is opening later this year.

The course provided hands-on experience for five young people in a real-life working environment, equipping participants with the foundational skills and confidence to pursue careers in the construction industry. This gave the attendees, all of whom have now graduated, an invaluable experience as for many of these young learners this was their first step into a professional setting — a pivotal experience that could help shape their futures.

To help make this opportunity a reality, E.ON contributed by funding essential transportation and equipment costs, ensuring that all participants could fully engage with the programme without financial barriers.

This course has helped me feel more confident and realise I can achieve something.”
– Graduate, SOFEA Construction Skills Programme

Lauren Dane, Social Value Lead at E.ON said: “We know the journey to net zero needs to be inclusive, and that means investing in people as well as improving homes. Supporting programmes like SOFEA helps young people take their first steps into work, while also building the green skills we need for the future. It’s a great example of social value in action and something we’re really proud of by removing barriers, opening doors, and creating real opportunities.”

As a business committed to social value and sustainable progress, ensuring social inclusion through this type of collaborative community engagement is vital. By backing programmes like this, we’re not only helping young people gain skills, but also helping build the workforce of tomorrow — one that’s inclusive, skilled, and ready for the challenges and opportunities a net zero future presents.

We look forward to supporting more initiatives like this in the future and continuing to help young people unlock their potential.