Over 1300 young people from 19 different schools in Stevenage and surrounding area came to the iconic Knebworth Barns to meet with 70 exhibitors at Generation Stevenage 2025, Careers Fair on Thursday 15th May to find out about future career opportunities in the area.

This year’s event has yet again proved to be the largest of all the Generation Events, showcasing global sector strengths, alongside fantastic job opportunities with the abundance of employers in attendance. The event provides a superb platform for employers to connect with the next generation of local talent and inspire young people on future career pathways.

Generation Stevenage is a partnership between Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire Careers Hub, Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) powered by Hertfordshire Futures, biz4Biz and Stevenage Development Board.

The Careers Hub supports every secondary school in Stevenage and North Herts including the SEN schools and North Herts FE College. Each school was able to bring a selection of targeted students to attend the event throughout the main part of the day with a ‘twilight session’ open for students and parent/carers from all schools and year groups.

The event was opened by Hertfordshire Futures Chairman Adrian Hawkins OBE, Barnwell School students, the outgoing Mayor of Stevenage Jim Brown and the Leader of Stevenage Borough Council Richard Henry:

Councillor Richard Henry said:

“This was a lovely event and I was so delighted to be part of a such a vibrant atmosphere. It was wonderful to see so many local Stevenage businesses attending and speaking with our local students who we hope will be their future workforce. I am grateful to the Careers Hub for their drive and partnership with the Development Board. This sort of event is exactly what we should be embracing as it truly brings together our dynamic industry along with the very bright talent of the future”.

The careers fairs also provide a great opportunity for employers to strengthen their relationships with local schools and develop their future talent pipeline. The event provided valuable opportunities for young people to gain meaningful encounters with employers and providers that will help them:

· Develop a better understanding of different local employers and the roles that they require.

· Understand the different pathways available including technical, vocational and apprenticeships on offer via employers, colleges and independent training providers

· Gain confidence speaking with employers and adults.

Martyn Patching, Careers Leader at Barnwell in Stevenage said:

“It was great to network with industry contacts alongside our Year 10 cohort at the Generation Stevenage Careers Fair. Thank you to the Careers Hub for organising such a brilliant event; giving Barnwell students insight and access to so many amazing industry professionals. This event allowed us to target some of our students most in need of careers inspiration and really consolidates our progress against several Gatsby Benchmarks. It has also enabled me to make several new employer contacts whom I’ll be following up with and inviting to be part of our Careers planning in the future”

The careers fairs rely upon our wonderful employers giving up their time including employers from our Cornerstone group such as Wilmott Dixon.

Natalie Sidey, Social Value Manager from Willmott Dixon attended and was positioned strategically in ‘Construction Corner’ alongside Morgan Sindall and BAM Construction in order to promote the vibrant Construction sector more holistically.

Natalie said:

"Attending Generation Stevenage allowed us to meet some wonderful students really engaged, It was great to come together once again with fellow Construction employers with activities and discussions that promotes the industry."

Quantum Care stated:

"Students were polite and engaged. They listened well and asked relevant questions."

The Stevenage event is the eighth of nine Generation events delivered by The Hertfordshire Careers Hub in this academic year. The events bring together employers, training providers and students in order to showcase the wide array of future careers and opportunities available. The events have collectively attracted over 7000 young people and their parents and carers this year. If you would like to attend one of our great events, please contact us at [email protected]   or visit Generation careers fairs hub | HOP