Inclusive Job Fair Connects Hatfield Residents with Local Employers

The event, which was run by Step2Skills in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and the Job Centre Plus, was designed for adults with learning or physical disabilities, sensory needs, neurodiversity, or mental health conditions. It provided a welcoming space for attendees to explore employment options, understand the skills employers are looking for, and engage directly with organisations committed to inclusive hiring.

A wide range of inclusive employers took part in the event, including Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, NHS, Glendale Countryside Ltd, Morgan Sindall, Teach in Herts, Swift Aerospace Ltd, Sunnyside Rural Trust, PureGym, Octavius Infrastructure and Mission EmployAble.

The fair featured a range of support services, including access to the Step2Skills employment team, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and a bookable quiet hour for those who preferred a calmer environment.

The event was free to attend for Hertfordshire residents and saw strong participation from both job seekers and employers. Step2Skills are partly funded by a contribution from the council using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a government scheme helping to invest in town centres and support local businesses.

Cllr Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member, Economic Development, said:

“Celebrating our diverse communities and supporting local businesses are priorities for the council and I’m delighted that we could collaborate with Step2Skills and the Job Centre Plus on the Inclusive Job Fair.

This was an important event as it highlighted the growing number and range of employers which recognise and encourage applications from people with neurodiverse, physical, sensory or mental health conditions in our community. It also provides a platform for residents to see how their diverse skills can be used, and where necessary how adaptions can be made, in the workplace.”