Fair enough - Jobs event is a huge success

Tuesday 30th October 2007

There was a resounding cry of 'job done' following the hugely successful Jobs Fair held recently at Wigan Investment Centre.

More than 400 people attended the event, which featured a number of local employers looking to recruit, including Argos, The Army, ASDA, Bents Garden Centre, BHS, Galloways Bakeries, Hurleys, Next, TK Maxx and Wigan Council.

The day was split into two sessions. The morning was dedicated to people in receipt of benefits and the afternoon was open to everyone.

In addition to the employers, staff from Job Centre Plus and Wigan Council’s Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Service were available to provide support to people who were looking to return to work after a break. There were also several training providers on hand offering a whole host of courses designed to help people improve their skills.

One of the most popular training opportunities available was a special one day taster course aimed at people looking to work in the retail sector. Over 80 people attending the event signed up for the training, which is funded by Wigan's Retail Skills Shop.

The employers present were extremely pleased with the event. One of the success stories of the day involved ASDA, who had interviewed and employed somebody within one hour of the event opening!

The Jobs Fair saw the tables turn for Wendy Mahoney who attended the last Jobs Fair in January. She was successful in her application to TK Maxx and returned this time not looking for another job, but to recruit other people for vacancies within the Grand Arcade retailer.

Cllr John O'Neill Cabinet Champion for Regeneration and Deputy Leader of Wigan Council says:

"Job Fairs are proving to be the way forward for recruiting people for job vacancies. It is providing a one stop shop for job seekers with a number of opportunities available in one place. It also helps employers by allowing them to meet with prospective candidates face to face before the interview stage.

"Wigan Borough is leading the way by pioneering this new method of recruitment. We are planning to hold these events at regular intervals through out the year to meet the ongoing demand of both job seekers and local businesses. The next Jobs Fair has been planned in Leigh for the New Year."

• For further information about the Jobs Fairs, please contact Kevin Walsh, Wigan Economic Partnership Co-ordinator on 01942 828954.