Weaver Vale MP held his 5th Annual Jobs and Apprenticeship Fair yesterday at Mid-Cheshire College a pro-active way of helping people find work, training and apprenticeships.
“Finding a job can be a complex process, and by putting potential employees in a room with those looking to recruit can really help both sides. That’s what these events have always been about. I’m pleased to say that since 2010 those on job seekers allowance in Weaver Vale has decreased dramatically – by around 50% in fact. But there is still more work to do to ensure that as many people as possible can have that satisfaction and pride of earning a living to support yourself and your family and plan a future.”
“Apprentices are a vital part of the workforce and the Fair is as much about Apprenticeships as about jobs. Many of the companies at the Fair run excellent apprenticeship schemes and indeed have brought their apprentices with them. If you talk to apprentices you can understand just how rewarding that experience is.”
IBM apprentice, Jack Bagshaw explained how in many cases an apprenticeship was a better option that university, “You'll be given responsibility from your first day and won't look back.”
There were around 40 companies and organisations at the Jobs and Apprenticeship Fair and between all the companies there were literally hundreds of live vacancies which they were actively looking to recruit for.
Job seeker, Helen from Northwich said on leaving the event, “Today has been really useful and I was impressed with the range of companies here. I’ve got some good leads and contacts.”
Whilst Alan Ryan, MD of Winsford based Technoprint who attended with his company stand and two apprentices said it has been a great event with a wide range of businesses and he had enjoyed speaking to the attendees. And Claire Calvert from Ombundsman Service, based in Daresbury, said they had met several potential employees who had impressed them, so it had been a very useful day.
“I’m delighted with how the event went,” said Graham, “As ever, there was a terrific atmosphere with employers meeting potential employees and vice versa, and I know that some of these meetings will, as they have done in the past, lead to job and apprenticeships offers. That’s something which as an MP is one of the most rewarding and wonderful things I can achieve.”