Hertfordshire Futures is proud to announce the success of its Watford Opportunities programme in 2024, funded by Watford Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity (UKSP) programme.

This initiative aims to provide a targeted skills advisory service to hard-to-reach SMEs in Watford, helping them connect with education and training opportunities to boost business productivity and growth.

Connecting with Local Businesses: The programme focuses on engaging businesses that have not recently participated in skills programmes. By conducting comprehensive organisation-wide skills needs assessments, Hertfordshire Futures identifies appropriate solutions and funding streams, ensuring continuous support and impact on business productivity, employee engagement, and growth.

Achievements to Date:

• 25 unique businesses have been supported
• 136 potential learners have been referred to skills programmes
• 14 local residents have gained qualifications

These achievements underscore the programme’s effectiveness in enhancing the skills and employability of the local workforce while supporting the growth of local businesses.

Watch this video for more information:

Strategic Recommendations for Watford Borough Council: In addition to the skills advisory service, Hertfordshire Futures has been commissioned to submit a report offering strategic recommendations on managing section 106 Employment and Skills Plans (ESPs). These plans are a requirement for every major construction development and are crucial for ensuring that such developments contribute positively to local skills development and employment opportunities.

Future Vision: Hertfordshire Futures envisions a future where every major development supports regional prosperity by contributing to local skills development and employment opportunities. Following the completion of the report for Watford Borough Council in December, Hertfordshire Futures will collaborate with local stakeholders and partners on a county-wide basis to maximise the potential of section 106 ESPs, creating a skills system that benefits individuals, employers, and the local economy.

Stay tuned for more updates on how Hertfordshire Futures is driving positive change and creating opportunities for the Watford community.