upReach Tech500

Supporting exceptional undergraduates from less-advantaged backgrounds to secure top tech jobs

Research consistently shows that the UK tech workforce does not reflect the wider population, with those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and state schools significantly underrepresented.

The upReach Tech500 is a new programme, established in partnership with The Hg Foundation, to help talented undergraduates from less advantaged backgrounds secure graduate roles in the technology sector. It will reach 500 Associates across three years, in addition to giving hundreds more low-income students training in digital skills relevant to the modern workplace.

Tech500 offers participants comprehensive and exclusive training, networking and development opportunities to boost their success rates in progressing to top jobs. upReach also works with leading technology firms to influence hiring behaviours and to support them in their commitment to social mobility and diversity in the workplace.

The Hg Foundation is also proud to be supporting upReach to grow its capacity and partnership work, as part of the charity’s growth strategy which will see it increase its overall reach from 3,000 Associates to over 4,000 in 2024-25.

Progress so far…

  • 400+

    students recruited to date, from 60+ universities

  • 16

    tech firms providing volunteers

  • 368

    offers made so far across internship, placement years and graduate roles

  • 61%

    of those who graduated in the 2022 cohort have a work experience offer

“The Tech500 programme has helped deepen my knowledge within the Technology sector, develop new skills that are key in interviews/application processes and has exposed me to unique insight weeks, technology programmes and internship/placement opportunities. Not only was my assigned programme coordinator extremely helpful, but everyone takes joy in seeing you achieve your goals. I took part in these events frequently and this ensured my performance in my application process was of the highest standard.”

— Joshua Mercurio, upReach Associate