Hundreds pack Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech, as Fenland Jobs Fair hailed a great success with 30 employers taking part

Jobs and Skills Fair, held at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

The event at Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech was organised by Fenland District Council, Anglian Water, Foster Property Developments, Circle Roddons, Jobcentre Plus and the Ferry Project. It saw 30 local employers and training organisations from agricultural and engineering firms to colleges and jobs agencies offering information and advice.

Anglian Water’s Russell Beal, who has been seconded from the company to the Business in the Community initiative, said: “This year’s Jobs and Skills Fair in Wisbech has been a real success. It’s been fantastic to see so many people of all ages who want to explore their options for training and career progression.

“And with 30 employers on hand to talk about the jobs, apprenticeships and work experience placements they can offer I hope everyone went away with a clear idea of the opportunities that are available to them.”

Jamie Westhorpe, aged 24, from Wisbech, was one of the visitors who took advantage of the opportunity to have a mock job interview. He said: “The feedback has been really useful. Often you don’t get that when you have a real interview, so I’d say to anyone who can have a mock interview before the real thing, do it. It’ll be of great benefit.”

Jobs and Skills Fair, held at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

Major companies represented at the fair included Barhale, Grontmij, Skanska and Lamb Weston. The College of West Anglia and Peterborough Regional College were also there. Other organisations that had stalls included the National Careers Service, the Army and the Prince’s Trust.

Anyone in Fenland starting out in work, looking for a new career, or aiming to increase their skills through training and college courses does not have to wait another year for the next Jobs and Skills Fair. The Queen Mary Centre hosts a monthly Job Cafe on the second Thursday of every month from 10am to midday. Support and advice is available on careers, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

Russell Beale, Business Connector for the Fenland area, said: “The job and skills fair was here to help those 1,400 people in this area who are either unemployed or looking for a change of career. It was also a chance for employers to see what Fenland has to offer.”

The full list of companies who attended were:

Jobs and Skills Fair, held at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

· EDGE

· Archway Care

· Mears Nurse Plus

· SWC Security and Training

Jobs and Skills Fair, held at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

· Better Healthcare Services

· College of West Anglia

· Ambitions Personnel

· Prince’s Trust

· CCC Adult Learning & Skills

· Job Centre Plus

· MEICA

· BBUS

· Barhale

· MWH

· Skanska

· Grontmij

· JN Bentley

· Anglian Water

· ACAS

· Mi Homecare

· Caerus Care Ltd

· Nestle Purina Petcare

· Bakkavor Freshcook

· Peterborough Regional College

· Foster Renewable Energy Ltd

· YMCA Cambridge and Peterborough

· British Army

· Lamb Weston/Meijer