This article was originally published in the Bromsgrove Standard, by Tristan Harris, 22/04/2022: https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/video-picture-special-hundreds-at…
HUNDREDS of people attended the Bromsgrove District Jobs Fair organised by MP Sajid Javid earlier today.
There were thousands of opportunities for employment, training and apprenticeships on offer from 65 companies.
Among them were the emergency services, armed forces, construction, care, healthcare, finance and other sectors.
A number of charities and community organisations were also present, including AgeUK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, The Red Cross and the Norton Collection Museum.
Mr Javid said: “It’s great to be able to do this in-person again – we had 65 exhibitors with thousands of opportunities.
“There’s so many people here and it’s a case of matching those looking for jobs with the right opportunities for them.”
He added many firms had said they could not recruit people quick enough for the roles they had available.
“Thankfully we are in a situation where the economy has started growing again and the number of vacancies available nationally and locally is at its highest ever.
“As well as those looking for a job, there are some who already have jobs but are looking for a career change and it’s fantastic to be able to give that chance to local people.”
Aga Ochmanski, from bus operator National Express West Midlands, spoke to job-seekers about a variety of roles on offer, from customer services and HR to bus, coach and minibus drivers.
She said: “We have a really good scheme for drivers – we pay for them to get their licence and to receive full training.
“We also have apprenticeships on offer.”
Click here for more on National Express West Midlands jobs.
Alison Williams, the recruitment and retention team leader for Worcestershire Children’s First, was looking to encourage people to become foster carers.
“The problem we have is people don’t see foster caring as a profession and I think that needs to be addressed – not only locally but nationally as well.
“There is a lot of help, support and training available for people who can become foster carers and it is very rewarding.”
Click here for more on fostering with Worcestershire Children’s First.
The organisation with the highest number of posts was the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games recruitment team – Tuesday marked 100 days until the opening ceremony and thousands of roles still need to be filled – from entry level to management positions.
Three members of the Birmingham 2022 recruitment team were at the fair – Ellie Higgins, James Brooks and Amber Aitken.
They said the process of applying for the Commonwealth Games had been made as easy as possible in a bid to meet the demand.
“There are some fantastic opportunities available which, as well as providing employment, will look great on people’s CVs and could lead to other things after the games have finished.”
Click here for the current Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games vacancies and to apply.
Home Instead – which operates across Bromsgrove and Redditch – was looking for carers.
Zoe Mucklow, care professional recruiter and community development lead, said the company had received a lot of interest in the jobs it had to offer.
“The past two years, during the pandemic, has proved how important care is.
“We pride ourselves on matching the right carers with the right client.
“Looking after loved ones and keeping them safe is so much more than a job – it is so rewarding.”
Click here for more on Home Instead care roles.
