Future Ready Programme
Creating opportunities for young people who need them most.
About the programme
In Hertfordshire, reliance on parent-secured work placements is 25% higher than the national average, meaning young people without existing connections can find it harder to access work experience.
The Hertfordshire Future Ready Programme connects disadvantaged young people with high-quality modern work experience, helping them to build confidence, broaden their horizons, and prepare for their future. The programme:
Supports 375 young people across 25 Hertfordshire secondary schools
Targets young people facing barriers, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, young carers, looked-after children, and those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
Runs from 2026 to 2029, supporting participants from Year 8 to Year 10 and helping to inform their GCSE choices
Could your business support the programme?
We are looking for businesses of all sizes and sectors that can offer work experience to support our programme participants. Every employer interaction, whether large or small, plays a vital role in changing a young person's perspective on their future. Taking part also gives your business the chance to give back to your community, motivate your own employees, and strengthen your talent pipeline.
Ready to discuss a potential partnership, or learn more about what Modern Work Experience could look like for your business?
Programme funding and partners
In 2026, Hertfordshire became one of just ten areas selected to receive a share of the Future Ready Fund, reflecting the strength of its Careers Hub and track record of success.
The £2.3m Fund is delivered by The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education in England, and supported by JPMorgan Chase. The Fund aims to:
Improve the career readiness of socio-economically disadvantaged young people
Increase the capability and capacity of employers to deliver high-quality work experience
Build the evidence base for what works, and share best practice across the careers sector
By supporting children who have had a difficult start, we aim to build their self-confidence and skills during this critical window so they can enter the world of work with high aspirations, and on an equal footing.
Get in touch
Denise Manning is our Future Ready Project Lead.