This year, Hertfordshire Futures has successfully hosted eight ‘Generation Events,’ creating a significant impact on the local community and businesses.
These events have not only facilitated networking but also provided a platform for businesses to engage with the future workforce. The diverse attendance included 48% large businesses, 28% SMEs, and 22% educational establishments and training providers, reflecting a broad spectrum of stakeholders committed to the region’s growth.
Generation Bishop’s Stortford today was the last event of 2024 with approximately 600 students and 40+ employers and higher/ further education providers exhibiting, Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair Hertfordshire Futures who has attended every single Generation event, opening the last Generation event of 2024 commented: "The Generation Events devised and first delivered by HF in 2020 are a fantastic opportunity for our young people to connect with local employers and explore the diverse career paths available in Hertfordshire. We’re proud that such initiatives that foster community growth and inspire the next generation have become so popular across the County. Bringing supportive employers together with enthusiastic students helps to inspire young people to aspire to a future career an activity of great importance to all parties and our broader society.”
The primary motivations for attending these events were to support the local district or borough council and Hertfordshire (77%), increase awareness of their industry (75%), and promote their business (72%). Additionally, 48% of attendees aimed to promote current or near-live vacancies, while 29% were interested in learning more about current students.
Feedback from exhibitors highlighted the positive interactions with students. An impressive 79% of exhibitors felt that students had an excellent or very good understanding of their business, and the same percentage appreciated the students’ ability to ask insightful questions. Furthermore, 82% of exhibitors rated the students’ communication skills as very good or excellent.
One hospitality company based in Hertford remarked: “Attending a Generation Event has helped us raise our profile locally and promote hospitality as a career choice.”
This sentiment was echoed by a large manufacturing company that valued the opportunity to gain greater insight into the minds of young people and understand what they are looking for in an employer.
The events also fostered collaboration among businesses. As a result of attending, 73% of exhibitors expressed a desire to form relationships with schools, 42% intended to collaborate with other exhibitors, and 29% were exploring the potential of providing workplace experiences for groups of students. Additionally, 21% were considering offering workplace experiences to individual students.
An SME based in Stevenage highlighted the community-building aspect, stating: “These events help us grow our roots in the community.” Meanwhile, a property management company from East Herts emphasized their objective to promote apprenticeship opportunities and attract females to trade roles.”
The positive impact of these events extends beyond immediate networking. They have become a vital tool for businesses to connect with the future workforce, understand their expectations, and foster a supportive community.
A representative from a large-scale event noted: “This large-scale event brings like-minded employers together to inspire and broaden the horizons of Hertfordshire students while providing excellent networking opportunities.”
Hertfordshire Futures’ ‘Generation Events’ have proven to be a resounding success, bridging the gap between businesses and the future workforce. By fostering relationships, promoting career opportunities, and enhancing community ties, these events have set a benchmark for similar initiatives. As businesses continue to collaborate and engage with students, the long-term benefits for Hertfordshire’s economic and social landscape are bound to be significant.
The first Generation Event to open in 2025 will be Generation Welwyn Hatfield on 7 February.
The Generation Events devised and first delivered by HF in 2020 are a fantastic opportunity for our young people to connect with local employers and explore the diverse career paths available in Hertfordshire.