Hertfordshire Careers Hub partnered with Affinity Water to give 30 students from Onslow St Audrey’s Academy Trust a hands-on introduction to careers in the water sector.

Delivered as part of the Careers Hub’s Modern Work Experience Programme, the Insight Day enabled students to design their own water companies, develop campaigns to promote water conservation, and collaborate to build model water networks – all under the guidance of industry professionals. Students also received tailored employability support, including CV feedback and interview skills coaching, helping to build their confidence and career readiness.

Modern Work Experience makes it easier than ever for employers to engage with their local communities, strengthen their talent pipeline, and showcase their sector in a fresh and accessible way. Businesses of all sizes can get involved, with flexible options ranging from a two-hour tour to a one-day project or three-day group placement. 

The programme supports Government’s ambition to guarantee every young person 10 days of meaningful workplace experiences during secondary school – helping them discover their interests while enabling employers to inspire the skills, talent, and diversity they need for the future.

Erica Hodges, Modern Day Work Experience Lead at Hertfordshire Futures, said: “High-quality work experience is one of the most powerful ways to inspire young people and connect them to future careers. By engaging early, employers can open doors, challenge perceptions, and bring their industry to life. We were delighted to partner with Affinity Water to deliver such an engaging and impactful day – in just a few hours, students were able to link their learning to real career opportunities and experience the energy and collaboration of a professional workplace.”

About the Careers Hub
Hertfordshire Careers Hub is led by Hertfordshire Futures in partnership with Services for Young People (part of Hertfordshire County Council) and funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company. It works with 113 local schools and colleges and, through its popular Generation careers fair series, has enabled more than 26,500 young people and their parents/carers to meet and interact directly with over 400 employers.

Let’s make it work

Workplace experience isn’t all about week-long commitments anymore – flexible workplace opportunities make it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to get involved.

Contact Erica Hodges, Modern Day Work Experience Lead, erica.hodges@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk to find out how we can make it work for you.