Residents of Welwyn Hatfield came together to network at a careers fair opened today by MP Grant Shapps. 

The Generation Welwyn Hatfield Careers Fair was held at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield this morning (Friday, February 24).

Grant Shapps was joined by Welwyn Hatfield Mayor, Councillor Barbara Fitzsimon, council leader Cllr Tony Kingsbury and Adrian Hawkins, chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. 

The event, which was organised by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in conjunction with the LEP, highlighted different job sectors and opportunities open to residents and young people.  

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This careers fair was supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Grant Shapps walked through the fair and spoke to multiple businesses about about the opportunities they offered.Grant Shapps walked through the fair and spoke to multiple businesses about about the opportunities they offered. (Image: Gopika Madhu)

In the morning, over 500 Year 11 students from Herts schools had the opportunity to network with Welwyn Hatfield businesses, finding out about roles and opportunities with brands and organisations including Oaklands College, TK Maxx, Tesco, Sky Movies, Barclays and the Royal Air Force.  

In the afternoon, residents including students from any year group and their parents or carers, visited the fair to find out more about opportunities with these employers.

A student from Onslow St Audrey’s School said: “I feel like this is an opportunity for students that you wouldn’t normally get, and it has helped me get to know work experiences and apprenticeships that will help us with our future.” 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Over 500 year 11 students from local schools attended the careers fair.Over 500 year 11 students from local schools attended the careers fair. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

MP Grant Shapps formally opened the fair and shared his own experiences with apprenticeships and the value in taking a non-traditional career path. 

He said: “My son did an apprenticeship instead of completing his A-levels and he found it absolutely fantastic, while his sister took a more conventional route by going to university. We have seen how both of those routes work equally successfully. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Grant Shapps officially opened the Careers Fair around 9.15am.Grant Shapps officially opened the Careers Fair around 9.15am. (Image: Gopika Madhu)

“I am probably the only cabinet member without a degree, and I didn’t do A-levels either which goes to show you don’t' have to take a traditional path to be successful." 

Speaking about why this fair is important, a spokesperson from Computercenter UK, said: “This event is crucial because it opens doors for students in their local area.  

“Particularly with apprenticeship programmes. I would say they offer a lot more and there are opportunities where you can actually be successful without going to university. We have a surplus of opportunities here and it gives them an idea of what they can do when they finish school.” 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: One of the two halls at the fair that showcased multiple local businesses.One of the two halls at the fair that showcased multiple local businesses. (Image: Gopika Madhu)

Adrian Hawkins, chair of Hertfordshire LEP, said: “This is our eighth event in Hertfordshire, and I am delighted that we are able to cover so many events.  

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Ambulance Services was one of the booths at the fair that students could talk to about future opportunities.The Ambulance Services was one of the booths at the fair that students could talk to about future opportunities. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

“We have had 8,000 students come to our events which is really wonderful for them, but it is also our opportunity to introduce them to the world of work, talk to employers, and identify what the potential is for a future career. 

“It also takes out the mystery of what they are going to do next and then they can aim to get their qualifications ready to join one of these wonderful companies.” 

                                                                                                         

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Councillor Tony Kingsbury added: “We were fortunate to have a wide range of employers at the fair and it was great to see visitors take full advantage of the opportunity to engage with them and learn about new industries, explore potential career paths and gain insights into the skills and experience that employers are looking for. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Councillor Tony Kingsbury also gave an opening speech at the careers fair.Councillor Tony Kingsbury also gave an opening speech at the careers fair. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

“I would like to thank the LEP and all the exhibitors for agreeing to share their knowledge, experience, and advice with the borough’s young people, to inspire and inform their career choices and raise awareness and understanding of the skills necessary to compete for current roles and the jobs of the future within their organisations and industries.” 

“The council is committed to doing all we can to facilitate local employment opportunities and we look forward to more events like this throughout 2023."