Tottenham Hotspur Foundation brings 300 students to first STEM careers fest at stadium

A new STEM careers event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London puts local students face to face with employers, as data highlights barriers to science and tech education in Haringey.

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has hosted its first STEM careers fest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, bringing together 300 young people and employers from across science, technology, engineering, and math.

Delivered in partnership with youth-led organization Motivez, the event forms part of the Foundation’s expanding STEM pathway and its Level Up Network employability and mentoring program for 16–24 year olds, supported by the Mayor of London. The initiative comes as local data shows attainment and participation in STEM subjects in Haringey remain below London and national benchmarks.

Research cited at the event shows 46 percent of schools in England identify funding as a major barrier to STEM provision, while 56 percent point to insufficient staff time. For schools in disadvantaged areas, access to industry networks and real-world insight remains uneven.

Workshops, employers, and direct industry access

The careers fest featured workshops across all four STEM disciplines, an exhibitor zone including organizations such as Microsoft, panel discussions, and a keynote address from Club Chief Technology Officer Rob Pickering on the future of STEM. Students also took part in practical activities including coding a robot.

The format builds on a sports business careers event held last year, but shifts the focus toward STEM pathways and technical careers. The Foundation has also launched a school program with Schneider Electric and opened a dedicated STEM learning zone at its Percy House headquarters next to the stadium.

Tiago Oliveira, 20, a Level Up Network alumnus, says: “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 participant, says: “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, says: “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.”

Local skills gaps and employer alignment

A study by Haringey Council found STEM attainment and participation lag behind both London and national averages. The Foundation positions the careers fest as a response to those gaps, linking classroom learning to employment routes.

Damian Zabielski, Foundation Youth, Employment and Skills Manager, says: “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, CEO and Co-Founder at Motivez, says: “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.”

The careers fest sits within the Club’s broader local employment activity. According to the Foundation, 3,700 full-time jobs are supported by the stadium each year across Haringey, Enfield, and Waltham Forest, including 2,800 roles in Haringey.

As schools continue to face funding and staffing pressures, employer-led STEM engagement is increasingly positioned as a route to close participation gaps and align young people with technical and digital career pathways.

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