Jobs Fair hailed a success (From Redditch Advertiser)

Jobs Fair hailed a success

3:00pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

A HUGE jobs fair held at NEW College last week has been called a great success.

The event, organised by Redditch MP Karen Lumley, attracted more than 600 jobseekers and 30 employers with more than 200 jobs on offer.

Employers ranged from manufacturing and engineering businesses to food suppliers and charitable organisations.

Mrs Lumley said she was delighted with the strong turnout.

"Lots of people said they were glad they came and one person had given out 15 CVs and secured an interview on the day,” she said.

“We need to do more of this type of thing. There have been one million new jobs created in the private sector and we need to get more of those into Redditch.

“I passionately believe that for the town to prosper we need to work with employers to provide the skills which our children need to do well in the world of work.

“Unfilled jobs are out there and in Redditch we have a lower than average unemployment rate.

“I will continue to work with employers and jobseekers to ensure that vacancies are met with people who want to find work through events such as jobs fairs.”

Redditch Council leader Bill Hartnett added it was a great success.

He said: “I was surprised how many jobs were available and on offer.

“Many companies said it was a very worthwhile day and that they had all made contact with potential new employees and they would be busy following up the contacts made.”

There are already plans for a similar event to be held next year.