H&F Upstream Pathway Bond

The Upstream Pathway Bond will give people living locally a clearer pathway into new careers and more opportunities to develop new skills. By signing up, businesses commit to the principles of providing good jobs, fair wages and skills of the future.

What is the Pathway Bond?

The H&F Upstream Pathway Bond connects young people and parents with opportunities to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine and media (STEM3) — from work experience to workplace visits and mentoring.

At the same time, it gives businesses a simple way to inspire the next generation, build a skilled local workforce, and showcase the exciting careers they offer.

Almost 100 organisations including L'Oreal, Novartis, and the BBC now offer these opportunities, supporting growth and opportunity across the borough.

Whether you're a student curious about your future, a parent looking for guidance, or a business ready to make a difference, the Pathway Bond helps you take the next step.

Register your interest

For young people

Register to do work experience

For businesses

Sign up to support the Pathway Bond

Success stories

Information for young people, parents and carers

What is the Pathway Bond?

A local initiative helping young people in Hammersmith & Fulham explore STEM3 careers through work experience, workplace visits, talks, and hands-on projects.

It's a clear pathway to new skills, careers and jobs right here in the borough.

Who can get involved?

Secondary school and college students in H&F, and parents supporting their child's career journey.

What kinds of experiences are available?

Options include short work experience placements, workplace tours, "day in the life" sessions with professionals, and team challenges run by local start-ups and STEM3 employers.

Do I need to have STEM3 subjects already?

Not at all. The programme is about exploring opportunities and inspiring you to think about new possibilities.

How do I apply for work experience?

Complete the student expression of interest form and we'll be in touch with next steps.

Information for businesses

Why should my business get involved?

The benefits to your organisation include:

  • raising your organisation's profile
  • supporting your immediate and longer-term talent pipeline
  • enabling staff to give back to the local community
  • providing an opportunity for staff personal and professional development
  • investment in a strong local workforce with the skills you need.

What can businesses offer?

Anything from:

  • a workplace tour
  • offering a week of work experience
  • mentoring a student
  • helping with a school project.

Apprenticeships and work experience

  • Create high-quality apprenticeships with top-tier training providers and donate unused Apprenticeship Levy funds to support local businesses and charities.
  • Offer accessible career workshops, workplace visits, open days and Q&A sessions designed alongside young people and services with a clear pathway for participants to engage further.
  • Provide short-term and summer work placements with industry mentors.

Mentoring and sponsorship

  • Provide financial support for underrepresented students, including paid summer placements and maintenance grants for those pursuing graduate and postgraduate education.
  • Sponsor students for educational trips and exchanges.
  • Establish bespoke mentoring programmes that pair students with professionals and offer long-term guidance and support through structured mentorship.

Skills and education

  • Support local young people from diverse backgrounds to achieve excellence in their education through the provision of quality study spaces, technology, and learning support.
  • Host workshops or sponsor programmes to build interpersonal and professional skills, such as workplace behaviour and confidence building.
  • Provide access to inclusive entry-level training for young people exploring their first steps into the workplace, including provision for wrap-around support, employability skills such as CV writing and covering letter writing, interview techniques, job searches, job application and career advice.

STEM3 inspiration and connections

  • Inspire and educate young people in STEM3 activities appropriate to their age and stage, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on activities.
  • Provide advice and support to young people participating in international visits in Hammersmith & Fulham's international partner municipalities, and help broaden the networks of local students on international visits or work experience through business contacts.
  • Support council-led events and the annual STEM3 festival, while developing links with Upstream London's global innovation district partners.

Extra-curricular and community support

  • Ensure a sense of shared community by hosting inclusive educational and extracurricular activities within available spaces.
  • Sponsor extra-curricular educational projects and activities to enhance young people's health, wellbeing, creativity, skills, knowledge and confidence.
  • Investment in the future workforce through activities making the borough a great place to live, work and grow, such as support for parents, access to childcare, and safe activities for young people.

Do we need to have lots of placements available?

No. Even a small contribution such as hosting one student or offering a lunchtime talk can have a big impact.

How do I register interest?

Complete the employer expression of interest form and our team will follow up with you.

The Pathway Bond team

Got a question on the Pathway Bond? Email us at pathway.bond@lbhf.gov.uk

Find out more about our team.

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