Hertfordshire Careers Hub has launched a new programme to widen access to career opportunities, backed by the Future Ready Fund. Hertfordshire is one just ten areas selected for the funding nationally, reflecting the strength of its Careers Hub and track record of success.
The Fund will enable Hertfordshire Careers Hub to provide 375 young people across 25 schools with high-quality, modern work experience over three years. Participants will join in Year 8 and be supported to Year 10, helping inform their GCSE choices and shape future pathways.
The programme specifically targets young people facing socio‑economic disadvantage and other barriers, including those eligible for free school meals, young carers, looked‑after children, those with low attendance or attainment, and those with SEND – ensuring support is targeted where it can make the greatest difference.
Evidence shows that while high-quality work experience can significantly improve employability and workplace skills, access remains unequal, with disadvantaged young people least likely to benefit. The programme comes at a critical time, as youth unemployment approaches one million nationally and employers report growing skills gaps as the economy slows.
About the Careers Hub
Hertfordshire Careers Hub is funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company and delivered by Hertfordshire Futures and Services for Young People, part of Hertfordshire County Council. It works with 113 local schools and colleges and, through its popular Generation careers fair series, has enabled more than 26,500 young people, their parents and carers to meet and interact directly with over 400 employers.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, said: “We’re proud to be entrusted with delivering this vital programme in its pilot year. Our Careers Hub is among the top performing in the country, which reflects our team’s dedication to giving all young people the best possible start to their working lives, and the partnerships we’ve built with our fantastic local employers and educators.
“In Hertfordshire, reliance on parent-secured work placements is 25% higher than the national average. 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.”
About the Fund
The £2.3m Future Ready 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
Anna Dunn, CEO of JPMorgan Chase UK, said: “We are investing in skills and training to help UK residents access greater career opportunities because we think engaged labour force participation is a critical element of the strong economy that benefits U.K. business. Our continued investments will support the UK’s increased focus on boosting skills and pathways to quality careers.”
John Yarham, Chief Executive, The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “By working with Careers Hubs, schools, and employers to design bespoke, modern work experiences, we can help young people build confidence, skills, and a clearer sense of their future. This partnership with JPMorgan Chase shows what is possible when the public and private sectors work together to tackle inequality at scale."
Employers: want to get involved?
Through the Future Ready Programme, Hertfordshire Careers Hub aims to provide disadvantaged young people with two weeks of high-quality, modern work experience to give them the best possible start to their working lives.
Local employers interested in supporting the programme are invited to join our Modern Work Experience and Future Ready employer information session on Wednesday 13 May, 3.30pm–4.15pm, hosted via Microsoft Teams.
Speak to the team
Denise Manning, Future Ready Project Lead
Email: denise.manning@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Erica Hodges, Modern Work Experience Lead
Email: erica.hodges@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk
In Hertfordshire, reliance on parent-secured work placements is 25% higher than the national average. By supporting children who have had a difficult start, we aim to build their self-confidence and skills.