Cisco has invested in the next generation of tech talent for over a decade. From running small-scale events twice a year across two schools, their work experience programme has expanded to host 450 students each year, building a diverse early talent pipeline.

But for Kathryn Baddeley - Head of CSR at Cisco UK & Ireland, there was more to do. Not only were they limited by the number of students they could physically host, but they also recognised a wider social challenge.

‘There's lots of evidence that having quality work experience is one of the indicators as to whether young people will get on well in life. We can't create an industry-wide change alone. So we decided to create something that would encourage other businesses to get involved.’

A new approach to work experience

Working with long-term partner Connectr Early Engagement, Cisco looked at the challenge with fresh eyes. What if, instead of simply scaling their own model, they built something the whole industry could take part in? Something that removed the barriers such as safeguarding concerns and lack of time that stop so many companies from offering meaningful work experience?

The result is Discover Tech: a Cisco-led, industry-wide work experience initiative that gives companies of any size a ready-made work experience framework and the support they need to deliver it.

Built for those who need it most

Employer convenience is only one benefit of Discover Tech – it’s also been designed around the students who need it most. The programme KPIs require that 75% of participants have at least one social mobility marker, such as eligibility for pupil premium, or status as a care leaver or refugee. Rather than being a programme for students with easy access to existing networks, this is for those who have limited – if any – understanding of what a career in tech entails or what it could offer.

The programme also covers the practical challenges of work experience. Travel expenses are covered for those that need it, and the two-day format is designed to be accessible to all students. Even the screening process is considered. If a first application doesn't do a candidate justice, the Cisco team give them the chance to try again, because the whole point is to reach people who haven't yet learned how to present themselves.

A positive beginning

The pilot, held during the February half-term break 2026, provided early proof of concept. With the support of four founding partners, Discover Tech hosted 100 students over two days. From the very start, it was clear that something special was taking place, as Kathryn explained, ‘We normally find that the students on our programmes take time to warm up. But on this occasion, there was so much buzz and such a great atmosphere that the young people were asking questions almost from the moment they walked through the door.’

Much of that energy came from the volunteers, many of whom were early-career employees, such as apprentices and graduates, only a few years older than the students themselves. This allowed the employers to create connections that wouldn’t have been possible with only experienced leaders. Put yourself in the shoes of a 17-year-old – would you have been more likely to listen to someone just a couple of years older than you or a person who reminds you of a teacher or parent?  

Promising early indications

The long-term outcomes will take time, but early signs are encouraging. Students from the pilot are already applying for Cisco's own work experience placements, and summer 2026 will see two events – one in London and one in Manchester, hosting a total of 600 students.

Discover Tech goes beyond creating a regular work experience programme. It’s beginning to change the way the industry inspires and change the standard the whole industry works to – and make it easier for every tech company, whatever its size, to be part of the solution.

Could your organisation benefit from Discover Tech?

Discover Tech is the practical, low-resource way to deliver meaningful work experience and start building your future talent pipeline. Get in touch with Rachel Morar to find out what taking part could mean for your organisation.