Published Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 13:34
Almost 200 people who attended the Blackburn with Darwen Jobs and Skills Fair have been able to secure job offers or employment opportunities.
The event, hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning took place at King George’s Hall, giving the 900 adults who attended the chance to apply for jobs or identify potential training or education opportunities.
Organisers and exhibitors said the day was beneficial and feedback was well-received with plans to go ahead with the event for 2024!
Hilary Jenkins-Beard, Skills and Quality Manager in Family Leaning, Employability and Digital Inclusion at The Council, said: “The event went really well and the turnout was fantastic. We gained great feedback from the exhibitors with many positive comments about the event and all exhibitors said they would like to attend future events (with one exception). Eight employers indicated they would like to receive ongoing support from Job Centre Plus for their recruitment.”
There were 59 exhibitors in total, 41 employers and 18 providers and from the exhibitor feedback the following outcomes were provided:
- Over 2,000 Employer interactions/interviews
- 200 Potential outcomes &/or potential Job offers
- 800 Provider interventions &/or enrolments
- 300 interventions by JCP staff
- 80 people attended the Skills Work Shops
- 50 gained Help to Apply support
As well as providing the opportunity for adults to upskill in employment roles, the event had a great outcome for recruiting volunteers – Blackburn Youth Zone enrolled 30 customers on to the Hatch programme and gained 10 volunteers, The Princes Trust gained 30 enrolments and the Work and Health Programme gained 20 referrals.
Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health, said: “The feedback here is fantastic and the fact that people have been able to get into employment or volunteering is extremely positive.
“These interactions will create great opportunities for our residents and help them find the job that they want using the skills they have, helping them to create a better future for themselves. Huge congratulations to those involved and we will look forward to what next year’s event holds.”
For more information visit www.bwdlearning.org or call 01254 581175.