Generation Watford: Two Weeks On

Written by Ameira Yanni.

It's been a fortnight since Generation Watford, the game-changing virtual event that connects business and students young people in a way that hasn't been possible before. 

The Watford Chamber of Commerce, and Watford Borough Council, the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal put on the event sponsored by Camelot as a means to get businesses to take a chance on young people. And, for young people to have more guidance on how to gain employment or work experience. 

But, two weeks on, has the event had a lasting impact? 

According to one of the Chamber's Kickstarter's, Harry Clark, Generation Watford "Was very valuable. The impact the event has had on young people is huge, it gave us the ability to talk to so many local businesses from so many different sectors, you just can’t do that anywhere else."

Kickstarter Emma Murray agreed, "During a time where I’m looking for my next place of work, it helped me make some new connections in areas I’m interested in. It was an exciting, new way to build connections."

It seems businesses held the same warmth to the event. 

Local business owner, Sharon Shapiro of Brolly Marketing, said: "Generation Watford allowed us to mix and talk in a way which you would never be able to do in a physical environment. 

I met some fascinating people, both business and students. It was a very effective networking opportunity".  

The event was created by young people, for young people. Kia Whittaker, Danny Thompson and Lee Keogh of the Chamber's Next Generation Network, according to Sharon, "did a fantastic job at organising the event". 

Helen Wright, Resourcing Business Partner from the event's key sponsor, Camelot, said "We were delighted to support the goals, aspirations and futures of local students. 

The event was a great success - we thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students during the evening and we're very much looking forward to more of these events."

Helen emphasised the significance to Camelot, saying "Helping the next generation get the vital support they need to decide their next steps, or help them secure new opportunities, is incredibly important to us - we have a great record of bringing in local talent and will continue to do so." 

One of the crown jewels of the event, however, was the innovative platform it was hosted on.

Syd Nadim, Founder of Clock, said: "The Remo platform allowed us to have space where parents and students could drop by and have a chat about what we do, and some of the opportunities we have available at our award-winning digital agency.

Our Kickstarter team were also able to join our table and, although they'd only just started, they were able to represent our business professionally and competently. 

I'm sure Generation Watford can go from strength to strength."

CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Chris Luff, said "Over 300 people attended Generation Watford, which is astounding. 

The aim was not only to help young people and local businesses connect but to raise awareness of powerful issues in our community: issues of mental health and wellbeing, inclusion, domestic abuse, and so on. We want to make our community a safe space for everyone. 

Kia, Lee and Danny did an amazing job at putting the event on, we are so proud to have them as apprentices here at the Chamber. Their ambition is never-ending, and the Generation Watford event is only the beginning. Watch this space for more powerful events form the Next Generation Network."

One of the apprentices who created the event, Danny Thompson, said "I was involved with the lead up to the event via content creation, designing the main stage, and helping manage the event on the night. 

After hearing from people who came, it's clear that Generation Watford has given all the students that attended the opportunity to take that next important step in their lives.

It's only natural to be unsure of what you want to do with the rest of your life at such a young age. With such a big decision, the Next Generation Network strive to help guide these individuals by opening their eyes to opportunity." 

The Chamber's Next Generation Network is opening doors for young people and changing the way young people are viewed by businesses. If you missed it, you're in luck, as the next virtual event is on the 9th of April. 

Stay posted by following the Next Generation Network's Instagram account: @ngnwatford.