Left to right: Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; H&F pupils and former pupils Ely, Maryam and Lily; Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth; and H&F Leader Stephen Cowan
Senior Government ministers joined Hammersmith & Fulham Council to celebrate the Pathway Bond at Parliament on Thursday 23 October, presenting a new initiative that connects young residents with careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine and media (STEM3).
Part of the next phase of H&F's pioneering industrial strategy, Upstream London, the Pathway Bond brings together businesses and educators to create clear pathways from classroom to career in the industries shaping our future.
H&F Leader Cllr Stephen Cowan told the event that – since its 2017 launch in partnership with Imperial College London – Upstream London has brought more than £6billion of business investment, creating more than 13,000 new STEM3 jobs and making H&F the fastest growing borough in London.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Rt Hon Darren Jones MP and Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth Stephanie Peacock MP championed the initiative as a model for inclusive growth nationwide at the Thames Pavilion reception.
Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:
Hammersmith & Fulham is a case study for our government. They've developed a model which works through by having people come together in a local place, connecting institutions and people.
"We need to learn from Hammersmith & Fulham's success. This is the type of example that shouldn't be unique, it should be normal and business as usual for communities across the country."
Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock said: "Our Plan for Change is actively driving opportunities through a determined focus on place-based growth. This includes leveraging crucial inward investment into creative pathways and tailored youth programmes that remove barriers.
It was inspiring to witness this success firsthand at the Hammersmith & Fulham Upstream event, where, speaking alongside Darren Jones MP, we heard directly from young people who have built successful careers.
The upcoming National Youth Strategy, co-produced with young people, is built on this foundation. We recognize that young people and the services that support them remain under pressure, which is why the strategy will deliver the essential connections and skills for life and work, ensuring every young person, no matter their background or location, has the tools to match their ambition."
Nearly 100 businesses creating pathways to future careers
Nearly 100 businesses have already expressed interest in the Pathway Bond.
Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Cllr Stephen Cowan said:
The world is changing faster than ever before and we want our young people to go forth and shape it . That's why we are providing new pathways to the best possible careers in the industries of the future.
"No matter what your background is. No matter where you come from. That's at the heart of our Pathway Bond."
Leading organisations in H&F and Imperial College London's White City Innovation District are showing what's possible. Imperial provides access to cutting-edge research facilities while nurturing world-class talent. Meanwhile, major anchor institutions including Novartis, Autolus, NATO and ITV create pathways into media and life sciences.
These examples demonstrate the range of opportunities businesses can offer – from mentoring and work experience to apprenticeships and international placements.
The focus is on careers in STEM3 – science, technology, engineering, maths, media and medicine – the industries transforming how we live, work and solve global challenges. Businesses understand that investing in local young people builds the skilled workforce essential for innovation and growth.
Lily's journey shows what's possible
Two H&F school students spoke about how they were getting support from the council and organisations like Startup Sherpas.
Ely Hyman, a sixth former at West London Free School, said: "It's exciting that we're getting the opportunity to step into and gain experience in the industries we'll be running in the future.
"My experience made me realise how valuable the experience and opportunity will be, both for the young people and the companies they work with, helping them understand the value we provide."
Maryam, from Fulham Cross Girls Academy, said:
Through the Upstream London Pathway Bond I have learned about life sciences and the opportunities available to Hammersmith & Fulham. It was an amazing experience for me which boosted my confidence and helped develop skills like teamwork and communication.
"I loved being a part of the programme, and jumped at the chance to do more work, in green tech, in the coming weeks."
And former Hammersmith Academy student Lily Traykov introduced a film, which showed how her journey to becoming a degree apprentice with L'Oreal UK and Ireland at its HQ in White City was inspiring the new Pathway Bond programme.
Lily Traykov's film
The evening was hosted by Ben Coleman, MP for Chelsea and Fulham.
National blueprint for local growth
Building on £6billion investment and 13,200 jobs created through Upstream London's partnership with Imperial since 2017, the Pathway Bond demonstrates how councils can ensure economic growth reaches residents.
Our partnership with Imperial College London has established H&F as a hub for future industries.
H&F has published a white paper with recommendations for implementing these successes nationwide. The Parliamentary reception showcased how entrepreneurial local authorities can transform economic growth into real opportunities for young people.
