Cisco | Bedfont Lakes, Feltham, UK
Social Mobility Project

What is your social mobility project? Please provide an overview:

Our social mobility project is the Cisco Pathways Programme, which focuses on tackling diversity within the technology industry. The programme aims to inspire and provide opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as female, non-binary, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

 

How did your project come to fruition?

The project came to fruition in 2014, following a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report that highlighted significant diversity gaps within Cisco’s and the IT Industry’s workforce. The report revealed that 77% of Cisco's workforce identified as male, 54% as white, and only 3% as black. To address this imbalance, Cisco UK and Ireland launched the Pathways work experience programme for 75 year 10-11 students to inspire diverse young people to pursue careers in technology.

 

How has your project provided opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds?

Work Experience Opportunities: The programme offers work experience for students aged 15-18 three times a year, including a female and non-binary specific programme.

 

School Partnerships: The Pathways Schools’ Partnership targets students from years 7-9, focusing on schools with students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

Industry Placements: The programme provides 6-week industry placements for T Level Qualification students to ensure they are work-ready.

 

Holistic Approach: The initiative includes in-school workshops, STEM lesson plans for educators, and an annual roundtable for feedback and continuous improvement.

 

National Reach: Through virtual and hybrid delivery, Cisco has expanded its reach to a national level, impacting over 5619 students from state secondary schools.

 

Collaborations: Working with school engagement experts like Connectr to ensure we link with schools with a higher percentage of students eligible for free school meals.

 

What impact has your project had on your target audience?.

Increased Interest in Tech Careers: 55% of Pathways school partnership students reported that the events increased their likelihood of pursuing a career in the technology industry.
Enhanced Awareness: 88% of students felt better informed about the IT/tech industry.
Diversity in Participation: 56% of students engaging with the school partnership programme and 64% of those engaging with work experience were from ethnic minority backgrounds. Additionally, 56% of school partnership programme participants and 69% of work experience participants identified as female or non-binary.
Employment Outcomes: Over the last five years, Cisco has hired 21 Apprentices from Pathways, with 81% identifying as female and 67% as minority ethnic. Notably, 46% of current female apprentices came through one of the Pathways pillars.

 

How will receiving this award benefit your project?

Receiving this award will provide significant recognition and validation of the Cisco Pathways Programme's impact over the past decade. It will:

Increase Visibility: Highlight the programme’s success in addressing diversity and social mobility, attracting more students and schools to participate.
Encourage Support: Inspire other companies and stakeholders to support and collaborate with the initiative, potentially leading to more resources and expanded reach.
Boost Morale: Motivate Cisco employees who volunteer their time and expertise, reinforcing the value of their contributions.
Enable Scaling: Assist in scaling the programme through partnerships, such as the planned 2025 T level pilot to address placement issues for schools and colleges.
Share Best Practices: Allow Cisco to share learnings and recommendations with other employers, fostering industry-wide improvements in diversity and inclusion.

This recognition will further enable Cisco to continue evolving the Pathways Programme, ensuring it remains impactful and responsive to the needs of diverse young people.

 

Please provide an endorsing statement from someone who can support this nomination (Max. 500 words)

As a teacher at Reading Girls School, I am delighted to provide this endorsing statement to support the nomination of Cisco for their Pathways Programme. Over the past 5-6 years, our school has greatly benefited from being a part of this initiative, which has proven to be a cornerstone in inspiring and raising aspirations among our students, particularly those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The continuity and consistency of the Cisco Pathways Programme set it apart from other corporate-sponsored activities that are often one-off events. Cisco's commitment to annual workshops and continuous support has created a reliable and impactful framework for our students. The workplace visits, in particular, have been invaluable, offering our students firsthand insights into the professional world of technology. We are eager to see more students involved in these enriching experiences.

One of the most significant benefits has been the opportunity for our students to apply for work experience. In an era where fewer companies offer such opportunities, Cisco's provision of these placements has been a game-changer. We actively publicise these opportunities and encourage our students to apply, knowing how transformative they can be. With plans to re-open our 6th form in 2025, we anticipate an even greater uptake of these opportunities, especially with the year 12 offerings on the horizon.

The impact of careers activities and employer encounters during Key Stage 3 cannot be overstated. These activities have been superb for inspiring and raising aspirations among our younger students. By making them aware of the various job opportunities in the technology sector, these activities help them make informed choices about their GCSEs and future careers. The skills they develop-confidence, resilience, teamwork, creative thinking, problem-solving, and empathy-are invaluable life skills that will benefit them in any field.

The Pathways Programme has undoubtedly sparked an increased interest in the technology sector among our students. Many are now choosing subjects like computer science, i-media, and business studies for their GCSEs and beyond. For instance, we will have three classes of 30 students each taking computer science next academic year, a testament to the programme's influence.

Furthermore, we have witnessed a noticeable change in our students' aspirations following their participation in Cisco Pathways activities. The workshops stimulate them to achieve more and broaden their awareness of future career options. The visits to Cisco's offices are particularly impactful for the winning teams, who are always impressed by the professional environment and state-of-the-art facilities. These experiences motivate them and provide a tangible sense of what they can achieve.

In conclusion, the Cisco Pathways Programme has been instrumental in shaping the futures of our students by providing them with opportunities, inspiration, and the skills they need to succeed. It is a programme that delivers lasting benefits and drives real change in social mobility and diversity within the technology sector. We wholeheartedly support Cisco's nomination and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to c