Hundreds flock to Council’s careers fair

More than 1,500 people including hundreds of school students visited a huge exhibition of career opportunities.

It is the second time the Rossendale Works Employability Fair has been held at the Adrenaline Centre in Haslingden, and more than 50 different businesses and training providers were on hand to showcase their jobs and apprenticeships.

Businesses at the event ranged from The Whitaker, Rosso buses, Orbital Design, Boys Construction and digital marketing agency Grow Traffic.

Also there were Future U, who sponsored the event and offered the chance for eager job seekers to try out 3D printing.

Public services were represented including the Royal Air Force and the NHS.

The Council’s footpath sweeper was also on show to highlight jobs within the local authority. Visitors got the chance to name the bin wagon.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said:

“What a superb event. There was so much energy and positivity in the building. I want to thank all the businesses and organisations who took part.

“Last year was great, but this year’s was even better. More people came than last year to find out about job opportunities and apprenticeships that are out there.

“A priority for this Council is to support people to find work as well as showing the skills and talent available to employers in the borough. We have some very talented young people in Rossendale and hopefully they got a lot out of it and found potential careers they would really like to pursue.

“The Council works best when it works in partnership and I pleased together we have delivered a very successful event.”

 

Councillor Barnes thanked all partners involved such as Inspira who helped organise,   and Rosseendale Leisure Trust who provided the space for the event for free.

Rossendale Works is a Rossendale Council scheme, which was initially set up for a 12-month trial period in partnership with Active Lancashire, but was so successful it has been expanded and funding was approved by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
Rossendale Works helps people who are job ready to seek placements and employment and that work is complemented by Rossendale Futures, which provides a holistic approach to improving participants’ wellbeing by offering free activities.

The careers’ fair has been funded by Rossendale Works alongside Future U and the Children’s Partnership Board.

Cathy Ross, the DWP Employer Engagement lead for Lancashire, said: “We are delighted to support this event which will showcase the employment opportunities available in the area and help local people move into work.

With thanks to Victoria Atkin for her report which this article is based on.