Ashford Gateway Plus Careers Fair
More than 300 jobseekers attended a careers fair organised by Jobcentre Plus and Ashford Gateway when they joined forces last Thursday. This was the first event of its kind to be held at the Ashford Gateway and proved to be a great success.
There were at least 40 businesses, colleges, academies and training providers on hand to discuss employment opportunities and offer careers advice. Jobs on offer included posts at Coty, Swift Security, Town and County Cleaners and Mears Care.
To help people find their way around the jobs fair it was split into zones; employers, apprenticeships, training, Jobcentre Plus, Skills Plus and the on site library.
Jobseeker, Patricia Lee, said: “It was really brilliant, jobs on offer, fantastic. I learnt a lot about training and applied for a warehouse job. More helpful in finding work than any other method I have tried so far.”
Jobseeker Christine Knight, said: “The library is a life line with the free computer access if you are on a low income”
Tony Lock, Branch Manager of recruitment consultants HR GO, said: “I just wanted to offer my whole hearted congratulations for yesterday’s event. We saw so many people on the day and we should be able to assist many in their search for employment. Well done.”
Stephen Meades, Operations Manager, Customer Relationship at Kent County Council added:
“We were delighted to work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to develop this careers fair. The event showed what a difference can be made when organisations work together to help local people to make positive changes in their lives. I am sure this will be the first of many employment events.”
Jobcentre Plus was on hand to talk about the wide variety of support available through the Government’s Get Britain Working measures, including voluntary work experience placements.
Jayne Faulkner, of Kent Jobcentre Plus, said: “There are thousands of jobs available across Kent and this careers fair gave young jobseekers the chance to speak directly to local employers about some of those opportunities available. We explained how Jobcentre Plus can help people gain qualifications and develop their skills and experience to improve their job prospects and support them into work.”
