This article was originally published in the Bromsgrove Standard, 3/12/2020: https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/bromsgrove-mps-virtual-jobs-fair-…
The virtual Bromsgrove Jobs Fair held last Friday has been hailed a great success, receiving both praise from attendees and exhibitors.
MP Sajid Javid organised the fair after being unable to hold his annual jobs showcase in the same way because of Covid restrictions.
More than 2,000 opportunities were on offer from 34 exhibitors.
The main page of a dedicated website was split up into sections, giving information about each exhibitor and then people could click a link to visit the organisation’s virtual stall to chat online to those manning them via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype.
There were also other useful links, including details of the local JobCentre, the Kickstart scheme and Worcestershire Jobs Match.
Mr Javid said: “I am the first MP in the UK to have held an event of this kind and I am delighted with how it has gone.
“I popped in and out and visited the virtual stands and the feedback was good.”
He praised his team for the way their work putting together the format as there were a lot of logistical challenges to overcome.
One attendee said: “It has been so useful to connect with so many organisations and widen my search criteria in the local area.
“I have a number of tasks to follow up on now, so am keeping my fingers crossed I can find that new opportunity”
Mr Javid added: “We found out about job offers and applications which were sent out on the same day.
“The exhibitors have also been very impressed and have been inspired to do more online Jobs Fairs in the future – it seems to work well for many of them and the jobseekers themselves.
“We all know about the bad side of the pandemic but this has been one of the positives – we have all had to think about operating in a different way and many people have learnt new IT and online skills in the process.”
