Building Skills for the Future: IntoTech Programme Opens Doors to Tech Careers

Inspiring the Next Generation Through our Partnership with The Hg Foundation

Futures For All has partnered with The Hg Foundation to deliver a programme of high-impact interventions for young people in state secondary schools and colleges that encourage them to consider a career in the UK technology sector. Together, we are excited to offer career-focused 1-hour inspirational talks, 3-5-hour introductory Insight Days and multi-day work experience with influential professionals and leading employers.

The IntoTech initiative aims to bridge the representation gap by demystifying careers across the sector, providing high-quality experiences of the workplace and inspiring the next generation of tech talent.

IntoTech launched in September 2025 with Speakers for Schools programme talks delivered to Year 8 students aged 12-13 years. Over the following two years, young people will also gain access to Insight Days and work experience opportunities in Years 9 and 10, with a focus on young people who receive Free School Meals.  Selected students will additionally receive online mentoring through charity partner Brightside.

A Programme with Impact

By the end of Year 1, IntoTech will have delivered talks in 69 schools, reaching pupils aged 12–13 currently in Year 8.

We have also been incredibly fortunate to work with a wide range of inspiring speakers. Several speakers delivered multiple talks throughout the programme, with many supporting more than one session in a single day. We extend our thanks and appreciation to all involved for sharing their time, generosity and invaluable insights to demystify tech careers – and empower the next generation.

Inside IntoTech Talks

In March, students at St Bonaventure’s School, Newham welcomed Pedro Pina, Vice President and Head of YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa. The session engaged the 186 students from the outset, exploring the history of YouTube, its background, and its mission as a platform. A strong focus was placed on student questions, which pupils had prepared in advance.

The Deputy Head at St Bonaventure’s School reflected on how exciting it had been to secure Pedro as a speaker, particularly given the students’ enthusiasm for YouTube. Throughout the session, the atmosphere was one of excitement and engagement. Students were eager to take selfies, ask for signatures, and shake Pedro’s hand as they left the hall.

Students asked Pedro questions including:

• Which human skills will AI never be able to replace?

• What's the friction between high-effort 'new TV' and short-form habits?

• What mistake shaped him the most?

In May, students at Horbury Academy hosted Zahaan Bharmal, Author and Senior Director of Strategy Google. The session gave students a unique opportunity to hear how hard work and persistence can lead to exciting opportunities within the tech sector. Zahaan reflected on his own career journey and highlighted the wide variety of roles available in technology.

Also in May, Parliament Hill School, an all-girls school in London, welcomed Rikki Rosenlund, Founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy. Rikki encouraged students to stay curious and take risks, emphasising that tech is for everyone and that young people can achieve whatever they set their minds to.

“The things you regret the most are the things you don’t do.”

Rikki Rosenlund

Featured: Sir William Sargent, Zahaan Bharmal, Carli Gooch, Elan Raja, Richard Murrell, Simon Collins, Matt Prodger and Andy Kent.

Impact in Action

Young people’s insights

“I liked how it broke down what having a job in tech would be like.”

“It has helped me to learn more about technology and the careers behind them.”

“I enjoyed how the talk boosted my confidence about the working industry.”

Feedback from educators

“My class of Year 8s later in the day were keen to explore work pathways on careers websites — tech frequently appeared in their searches, along with questions about working abroad, which highlights the positive impact on students.”

“The [students enjoyed the] fact that it was a real-life CEO! They were impressed with the sheer reach and popularity of the company.”

Highlights from speakers

“We had significant engagement to the point where the teachers had to stop the Q&A.”

“The students were very attentive and fizzed with insightful questions.”

Our top tips for speakers for next year:

• Focus your talk topic on opportunities and skills needed for the tech sector

• Demystify careers and your career journey, including industry terms and roles

• Work with the school to tailor your talk to the cohort of students

• Include interactive elements to support all learners and engagement

Our planning guide is here to support you further.

Want to discuss your IntoTech in more detail? Get in touch with our team: speakersforschools@futuresforall.org.

Looking Ahead: Insight Days and Work Experience

From September 2026 to August 2027, IntoTech aims to deliver 75 Insight Days.

Insight Days provide young people with access to 3–5 hour, tech-themed sessions where they can learn more about careers in technology, interact with industry professionals, and take part in workplace-related activities and challenges.

Our experienced team will fully support participating organisations in planning their Insight Day, including timetable creation and session content development.

We are currently looking for employers who would like to support the programme through Insight Days and work experience opportunities. If of interest, please get in touch with our Business Development Manager, Laura Morris.

Brightside Mentoring Opportunities

As part of Years 2 and 3 of the programme, selected young people will also have access to online mentoring.

Our partner Brightside is currently recruiting mentors to support participating students. If your organisation would be interested in taking part, please contact Amy Connelly, Partnerships Lead, at amy.connelly@brightside.org.uk.