When it comes to traineeships, there is often a lot of work behind the scenes. The Best Traineeship competition recognizes the driving force behind the traineeship, the Young Talent Manager.

We sat down with Jeske to talk about what the win means for her, and take a look at what motivates her as a Young Talent Manager.

How does it feel to take out the award for Young Talent Manager?

It feels great! It’s an honour to have that title for this year.

Enexis has had a strong presence in the Best Traineeship program over the past few years – What brings you back to the competition every year?  

I was joking with some colleagues earlier about what would happen if we didn’t make it to the finals. We wondered what we might have overlooked and what’s been happening in the world that we’ve missed. With our robust program and solid fundamentals, it would seem like the world would have to be turning upside down for us not to make it! While we don’t expect to win every year, we’re confident in our strong traineeship and our ability to consistently place in the top 10%, aligning with Enexis’s strategy and meeting the trainees’ needs. Missing the finals would definitely be painful.

I think she deserves the award because she is really there for the trainees. By always being ready, checking in, asking for feedback, and so on. I wouldn’t know another person who could fit her position better.

Trainee Survey Response

What do you think makes a good Young Talent manager?

Good question. I believe having a passion for the development of young people is crucial. I’m dedicated to witnessing their growth, firmly believing that every individual we enroll in an Enexis traineeship has the potential to thrive and become their best self.

My approach involves assessing each person’s needs to facilitate their rapid development and providing them with the necessary tools to build talent and confidence. By focusing on the trainees themselves and tailoring the program accordingly, including the type of training required, I leverage my extensive network within Enexis to guide them towards self-discovery and strategically oversee their development. The feedback and reasons for my nomination were deeply touching, as they affirmed that I’m able to instill such sentiments in others.

Our judges have noticed that your trainees are seen within the company as authentic, self aware, and actively making a difference – how do you facilitate this?

Making them self-aware and confident sometimes involves experiencing growing pains, which can be quite challenging. Within the two-year program, I aim to help trainees confront the aspects of their past, values, and upbringing, some of which may be beneficial while others may not. This process, though approached with care, sometimes requires addressing uncomfortable truths to facilitate growth.

While my intention isn’t to make anyone cry, I want them to recognize areas where they need to evolve. By embracing and acknowledging these challenges, individuals can become more confident, self-aware, and capable of growth. This aspect of our program nurtures future employees who understand how to leverage their backgrounds and personalities effectively.

Having a buddy system ensures ongoing support throughout their development, fostering an environment where authenticity is valued, vulnerabilities are embraced, and learning and growth are prioritized over competitiveness.

Jeske van Boxtel, inspiring manager who is a good listener, open attitude and trusted and critical strategic eye

Trainee Survey Response

What drives your passion for ensuring these trainees achieve their end goals within Enexis?

I believe having strong, self-aware young professionals benefits Enexis, as they contribute to achieving organizational goals. Drawing from my own experience as a former trainee, I leverage insights to not only assist Enexis but also to set personal targets and enhance the development of future trainees. Encouraging collaboration among individuals with diverse backgrounds and personalities to form cohesive teams is a key aspect, although it requires persistent effort and understanding to navigate initially. This emphasis on teamwork is integral to the traineeship experience. Additionally, providing challenging assignments with appropriate guidance fosters trainee growth in achieving results and personal development.

It doesn’t always work out from the start, this is hard work!

Do you have any wisdom to share with other Young Talent Managers entering the competition, and what are the benefits of the competition for other young talent managers?

Always be curious about what drives the trainees in what they do and what they think. 

It’s valuable to gain insights from both current trainees and alumni regarding their perceptions of the traineeship and its benchmarks. By not solely focusing inward, but also observing external practices, we can adapt and improve our traineeships. Providing a platform for trainees to express their views is essential. Expressing gratitude to every department for their contribution, even in defeat, reinforces the collective effort involved in the program. Winning the Young Talent Manager award is gratifying, yet it’s crucial to acknowledge that the entire company supports the trainees, highlighting the importance of recognizing colleagues’ dedication to the program.

Her dedication and impact on the traineeship is unique. The traineeship has been further developed in essential respects, making an even greater impact on the organization. This has raised the traineeship to an even higher level, which is recognized by the entire organization. That makes Jeske deserving of this award.

Trainee Survey Response

You are regarded as the cornerstone of the Traineeship Program, playing a vital role in its success. How do you ensure that your expertise and dedication are integrated into the fabric of the program, fostering ongoing improvement and ensuring long-term quality?

It’s my responsibility to establish strong connections with every department, articulating the value the traineeship brings to young professionals, each department, and Enexis as a whole. If I were to depart tomorrow, my impact lies in fostering a strong bond between trainees and the organization’s top 100 leaders. I’ve implemented changes to the program, integrating its two streams to reinforce mutual support. Every day, I passionately advocate for the development of young people, hoping to inspire others with my enthusiasm and perspective. I consistently share my insights on youth development, aiming to influence others to see things from my perspective.

Congratulations again to Jeske, and the Enexis Groep for their well deserved win. 

To see all this year’s winners, visit our winners page here. Want to showcase your traineeship against the best? Register for next year’s competition here.

The Best Traineeship Peer Circle event will be held again this year. If you’re interested in learning from other Young Talent managers, and sharing your expertise, email info@besttraineeship.com