Hundreds attend fair to find new opportunities

People of all ages hunting for opportunities crowded into the 10th Worcester News Jobs and Careers Fair at the Guildhall, Worcester.

Stalls ranging from healthcare and engineering to franchise openings and training ideas were lined up in the historic hall to offer a modern way into different kinds of work.

A total of 734 visitors attended throughout the day with a variety of reasons for wanting to find something to offer them a fresh spark.

Steve Martin, of Battenhall, Worcester, was made redundant from his civil service job a few months ago.

“I am looking for any kind of employment,” said the 38-year-old. “In the current job market, it’s important to keep your options open and to get some ideas.”

James Johnson had travelled from Kidderminster to see if he could find a way into mechanics or retail after leaving college last summer.

“I have had a few bits of work but nothing I really wanted to do,” he said. “I’ve found a few stalls here that have given me some ideas.”

Stallholders were also pleased with the way the fair had gone for them.

Sam Thwaites, sales and marketing manager of Bright Assessing, said they had had a number of enquiries from people wanting to start a new role as an NVQ assessor.

“We have had people come from all over the country, from as far as Lincolnshire, to visit us at this fair,” she said.

The Franchising Tabloid, based in Bromsgrove, was also pleased.

“We aim to put people with the right kinds of franchise,” said operations director Phil Tansley. “It’s good to meet people here and talk to them about the options.”

There were also stalls from colleges, the University of Worcester and the Army.

Lynne Harvey, of Kidderminster, was looking for opportunities for her graduate daughter who had been made redundant from an insolvency company. But the 66-year-old was also keeping an eye open for herself.

“I graduated through the Open University last year,” she said. “I’m always looking for something I could do next.”

Organiser Richard Hencher, Worcester News recruitment manager, said the day had been hailed as a success by stallholders and visitors.

Source: Worcesternews.co.uk, Saturday 24th March 2012