Hundreds turnout for jobs fair

Buy photos » Karen Lumley MP and Christine Culverhouse HR manger from Redditch firm Komatsu talking to jobseeker Mark Baker. Picture by Jon Mullis 44.012.008.redd.jm1

MORE than 600 people have attended a jobs fair in Redditch hosted by the town's MP Karen Lumley.

An estimated 150 to 200 jobs were on offer from 30 companies in a range of sectors including the manufacturing, technology and pharmaceutical industries. There were also volunteering, paid work placements and apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

Hosted by NEW College in Peakman Street, last Friday's event (October 26) saw people come from across Redditch and the wider area looking for work.

Ben Richardson, an English and journalism graduate, said the event gave people an opportunity to showcase their personality rather than just a CV.

"For all they know the person who's got an amazing CV might not be appropriate for the job. It takes more than just having the right qualifications for a job. People have really helped us out today and given us really good advice about getting in to various areas."

Alice Wicker, a theatre and performance graduate, added: "I have applied for lots of jobs and had a few interviews but you never seem to hear back from the companies so it's good to talk to people face-to-face."

Among the companies present was Lakeside based Lear Corporation, a seating and electrical power management systems provider, which had a range of opportunities available from front line managers to warehouse supervisors.

Miranda Leach, HR officer at Lear, said: "It's good to know people are actually interested. It's a great opportunity for us to be able to promote Lear, tell people more about what we do and get in touch with people we wouldn't normally have access too."

Jonathan Jackson, operations director for North Moons Moat based technology firm Steatite, said they were looking to recruit for two specialist engineering positions and while he was not confident he had filled them, many potential applicants had been identified for future roles in its production department.

"It's been interesting to see the wide spectrum of people who have come along today and we've taken many CVs and there's a lot of work to do now to shift through those."

Mrs Lumley said another event would be held in six months.

"Lots of people said they were glad they came and one person had given out 15 CVs and even secured an interview on the day. We need to do more of this type of thing. There have been one million new jobs created in the private sector and we need to get more of those into Redditch."

NEW College Principal John Callaghan added: "This fits in with what the college is trying to do by connecting education with training and we would like to see this as a regular feature."

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