Connect’s networking breakfast on the 19^th March was held at West Herts College (Hemel Campus) where our guest speaker was Erica Hodges from the Careers and Enterprise Company.  Erica’s presentation was about the ways in which work experience for school children is changing and how it is easier for companies to commit even a small amount of time rather than thinking they have to set aside a whole week.

Erica shared some statistics from the Get Hertfordshire Working plan that there are over 2,000 young people currently not in Education, employment or training (NEET) in Hertfordshire and probably many more who are not known about, and that young people who have 4 or more encounters with employers are 86% more likely to be employed.

So Hertfordshire is currently running a pilot with 21 schools to increase a young person’s contact with a variety of different companies and industries which starts the interaction with businesses and work experiences much younger so that when they are thinking about what career they would like to go in to, they have more information to base that option on.

The new scheme is offering work experience activities in years 7 to 9.  These activities could be businesses going in to schools and doing a talk, or offering a site visit, or preparing a task, etc.  What feels ordinary to you can mean everything to a young person – a tour, a short project, a single conversation. Each can be the spark that changes how they see themselves and their future. Students will also be offered a week of work experience placement in years 10 and 11.

Businesses of every size can now take part. With more flexibility, teaming up with your Careers Hub and fellow Cornerstone Employers, we are encouraging more businesses to get involved – giving even more young people an invaluable workplace experience.

If you would like to start an conversation and explore what options there are please do reach out to Erica at erica.hodges@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk

Many thanks to West Herts College for hosting our event, and it was great to hear from Diana McIldowie, Head of Careers Education for the college on how closely they work with local businesses and students to create a meaningful experience for everyone.

Following on from Erica’s presentation, it was so lovely to be able to present some of the Connect members who were at the event with their membership certificates and they were also able to talk about their businesses to the group.

AFCC – has been a member since 2011 and likes being able to make a difference. Do contact them for any of your Health and Safety needs or training.

Fleetlee –our newest member is looking forward to making great connections as their new business takes off. Fleetlee offer fantastic personal quality service for vehicle leasing and we are delighted that they have also chosen Community Action Dacorum as their corporate charity. 

Net Zero International – have been members since 2024 and value the opportunities to connect with the local community and make a difference. They have not only chosen the Silver package but they will also be using the payroll service that Community Action Dacorum offer because their company is growing.

Our next ‘Making Connections’ event is from 8am to 9.30 at the Community Action Dacorum offices in Hemel High Street.  You can book your place here.  Come along and promote your business/charity, meet your community and make connections.