Two and a half years ago, HOP (Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal) launched its first ever ‘Generation’ careers fair in Stevenage to enable young people stuck at home during the pandemic to continue to connect with local employers. Since then, 12 more Generation events have been held across the county, including the latest - Generation Stevenage 2023. Collectively, they have attracted over 6,300 young people and their parents and carers.

Led by Hertfordshire LEP’s skills and employment portal, HOP, Generation Stevenage was held at Knebworth Barns, part of the beautiful Knebworth House Estate, on Wednesday 24 May in partnership with Hertfordshire Careers Hub and Stevenage Development Board.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Stevenage, Margaret Notley, and Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Richard Henry, and supported by funding from the Careers & Enterprise Company and Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire LEP; its Skills and Employment Board; and Stevenage Development Board, said: "Stevenage is a town full of ambition and innovation, with globally-significant sector strengths and home to outstanding businesses, including renowned multi-national corporations and a thriving SME community.

"I am delighted that we were able to put on our largest employer exhibition yet in Stevenage, showcasing the fantastic job prospects that the town has to offer. Where job opportunities abound, it is vital that employers have this platform to connect with the next generation of talent to ensure our local residents reap the benefits."

Interactions with employers are vital to raising aspirations and helping young people, especially those that are particularly vulnerable, to take the first step towards achieving their career goals. 

Generation Stevenage 2023 has already enabled Ankit – a student from special needs school, The Valley – to secure a work placement at Hotel Cromwell, which exhibited at the event. Ankit said he ‘enjoyed attending’ the event and aspires to have a career in hospitality and catering.

The careers fairs also provide a fantastic opportunity for employers to strengthen their relationships with local schools and develop their future talent pipeline.

65 businesses of all sizes and from a wide range of sectors took part, making up the largest employer exhibition to date at a Generation event. Exhibitors included Computacenter, Stevenage FC Foundation, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT), Tesco, British Army, Hertfordshire County Council, GSK, Sky Studios Elstree and MBDA.

Over 800 students from 12 schools/colleges were welcomed during the day, followed by circa 160 young people, parents and carers who attended the twilight session.

Christopher Simm, Social Value Lead at Serco, said: "This was the best careers fair I have ever been to. A lot of students displayed real passion about their careers and development, and once in conversation asked a lot of insightful questions. Due to the amazing range of employers from across the county, the networking was exceptional with so many passionate employers working to broaden horizons and raise aspirations. This has been a catalyst for our company to engage with the schools and colleges in attendance to help with the local school careers curriculum."

For more information, visit our Generation Careers Fair hub on HOP.