Leaders from across the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries were brought together to help accelerate opportunities for 300 local young people at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today.
The event reflects the rapid growth of our Foundation’s STEM pathway. Over the past year, it has launched a programme for schoolchildren alongside Club partner Schneider Electric, and opened a dedicated STEM learning zone at its Percy House HQ next to the Stadium.
Research shows many schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas such as Haringey, face significant barriers delivering STEM education.
Delivered in partnership with Motivez, a youth-led organisation that has supported more than 16,500 young people through grassroots, employability and advocacy programmes in STEM, the occasion aimed to break down those barriers and raise aspirations.
It featured workshops covering each of the four STEM areas, an exhibitor zone including organisations such as Microsoft, panel discussions, with a keynote talk on the future of STEM from Club chief technology officer Rob Pickering, as well as interactive activities like coding a robot.
The activities formed part of the Foundation’s Level Up Network employability and mentoring programme for 16-24 year olds, supported by the Mayor of London.
Tiago Oliveira, 20, a Level Up Network alumnus, said: “It’s been really fun. There are so many opportunities to get involved with. I’ve learnt a lot through the Foundation and it’s really helped me find clarity.”
Daisy, 17, a current Level Up Network participant, said: “It’s really exciting to be here in facilities like this. The activities are interesting and the challenges have been fun. Chatting to people and networking has been really helpful. I’m taking away that there are lots of options to get where you want to be, so you don’t necessarily have to go the most obvious route.”
Mircio Avelino, a learning support assistant at Haringey Sixth Form College, brought along 20 science students.
He said: “In school, students get a lot of knowledge, but can sometimes feel a bit lost as to how to use it in professional life. This is great because it gives them access to professionals established in the field alongside really prominent universities and companies, and it makes such a difference being able to access opportunities like this at the Stadium.”
A study by Haringey Council found attainment and participation in STEM subjects were well below London and national benchmarks, with another recent report highlighting how 46% of schools in England cite funding as a major barrier to STEM provision and 56% point to insufficient staff time.
Damian Zabielski, Foundation youth, employment and skills manager, said: “Today showed the power of bringing together young people with industry leaders to open doors and raise aspirations.
“The event built on the momentum of the sports business careers event we held last year, enabling us to shine a light on the breadth of opportunities available across STEM.
“With the continued support of the Mayor of London, the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Club, we’re committed to breaking down barriers, particularly for young people in disadvantaged communities, and helping them see a clear pathway into exciting, future-focused careers.”
George Imafidon MBE, Motivez CEO and co-founder, said: “Partnering with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation for the STEM careers fest is a pivotal step in our mission to open up high-impact pathways for underserved talent across North London.
“By connecting hundreds of local young people with relatable mentors and employers from our network, we’re proving these students aren't just the workforce of tomorrow, they’re the changemakers and innovators of today.
“This collaboration sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration and building a future-ready STEM workforce that truly reflects the diversity of the society it serves.”
Careers and jobs fairs form part of the Club’s ongoing efforts to drive employment opportunities locally, with 3,700 full-time jobs supported by the Stadium every year across Haringey, Enfield and Waltham Forest, including 2,800 of those in Haringey.