500 jobs on offer at jobs fair (From This Is Lancashire)

500 jobs on offer at jobs fair

8:54am Friday 14th September 2012 in News

THERE will be 500 jobs up for grabs at Bolton’s biggest employment and training fair.

The news comes as the latest figures reveal 8,440 people are now claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Bolton, a slight increase on the 8,377 in August.

Nationally, the jobless total has fallen by 7,000 to 2.59 million.

Bolton Jobs and Skills Fair has been set up to tackle unemployment in the area.

Cllr Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for environment, housing and skills, said: “Jobs are on offer in a diverse range of industries including construction, engineering and hospitality. I’d encourage anyone who is out of work or considering training, or even just needs some advice, to come down.”

The event is being co-ordinated by Bolton College, Bolton Council , Jobs Centre Plus, Bolton at Home and the University of Bolton .

There will be more than 60 employers exhibiting, including Bolton at Home, The Royal Navy, Adecco, Groundwork Bury and Bolton, Sure Care and The Body Shop at Home.

Hayley Taylor — known as ‘The Fairy Jobmother’ from the Channel 4 programme — will be giving careers advice.

As well as the vacancies, jobseekers will have the chance to meet local employers and training providers.

There will also be drop-in clinics and workshops with recruitment companies and business experts to get advice on writing CVs, applying for jobs and preparing for interviews Marie Gilluley, principal of Bolton College, said: “The Jobs and Skills Fair is shaping up to be an absolute must-attend event for anyone currently looking for work, or seeking advice on training.

“On the day, there will a range of local and national companies attending, including Holiday Inn, British Gas, MBDA and Forrest.”

Charlie Barrett manager of Harmony Youth Project said the jobs fair was a “fantastic idea”.

Harmony Youth Project specialises in working with young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Mr Barrett said: “Having the college and other training providers alongside employers gives people a broader perspective, especially for young people to think how they can develop their skills and maybe sign up for courses they might not have thought of.”

Bolton Jobs and Skills Fair will take place at Bolton College on Thursday, September 20 from 10am to 3pm.