OPPORTUNITIES for everyone regardless of age or preferred career path were in sharp focus for Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas’ inaugural jobs fair today (Friday, May 30).
Speaking to the Standard at the event, Mr Thomas spoke of the importance of securing a job, whether young or old, in whatever industry works for an individual.
To help his constituents enter the world of work or transition In their career, Mr Thomas spoke of his pride in being able to continue his predecessor, Sajid Javid’s Bromsgrove Jobs Fair.
Mr Thomas discussed the importance of a range of opportunities for both youngsters and even those who may be considering transitioning careers.
At the event, in Bromsgrove School’s Sports Centre, around 40 employers both national and local were on hand to meet visitors and discuss opportunities for employment across a range of industries, skills and career paths.
Organisations such as the national Civil Service and local medical equipment supplier, Kimal, spoke of the opportunities on offer within their organisations when it comes to vocational routes or apprenticeships.
Claire Gilkes, schools advisor for the Civil Service in Worcestershire, told the Standard: “I’m very passionate about what I do and I want to make a difference.
“It’s about supporting people to grow confidence and understand the world of work.”
Another local employer, data centre manufacturing firm, Excool spoke about its graduate programme and apprenticeship opportunities with last year’s job fair proving a success as their global marketing manager, Grace Williams, shared her pride in finding a new recruit at the event.
She told the Standard: “The jobs fair is a great initiative started by Sajid Javid and now continued by Bradley.”
Organisations at the event also extended beyond conventional employers with group Smart Work on hand to speak with visitors about its work supporting women with securing a job.
The organisation offers support to unemployed women in the form of coaching, clothing and confidence.
They work with people from low income backgrounds, those with disabilities and even those re-entering the world of work following time spent in prison, for example.
Other companies present included West Mercia Police, the British Army, Citizens Advice and many more.
Mr Thomas added: ”I’m pleased we’ve got employers from local and national names offering something for everyone.
“Very simply the best opportunity in life is the security of a well paid job and as a member of parliament it’s my job to bat on behalf of residents.
“We don’t talk broadly enough about the roles the economy requires to be resilient in the future.
“If we want the economy to be resilient we need investment in industry and manufacturing.
“That’s why we’re encouraging businesses to invest in local area and make sure people have employment opportunities.”
