Aidan Burley MP has paid tribute to Businesses' and Job seekers across the district for helping to make Cannock Chase's first ever Jobs Fayres' a success.
In all over 600 local people attended the two Jobs Fayres held at South Staffordshire College in Cannock and the Rugeley Rose Theatre and over 360 CVs were given out to employers.
The Jobs Fayres were organised and hosted by the local MP as part of his mission to get Cannock Chase working.
The Fayres offered local people a chance to meet potential employers and network with businesses who are looking to recruit either now or in the near future. As well as meeting potential employers at the fayres, local people also had the opportunity to attend a number of free seminars and workshops aimed at improving their employability skills.
One jobseeker interviewed by the Express & Star at the Rugeley Fayre was 25 year old Nicola Causer from Cannock, who has been searching for a job since April and despite sending out 90 CVs, has not had much luck.
"I have never been to a jobs fair before but this one seemed really good," she said. "I have been struggling to find work since April to get a job so I thought I would give this one a go. I gave three of my CVs out and also filled out an application form so hopefully something will come out of it."
Employers attending were also pleased with the Fayres. Helen George, a regional recruiter for Allied Healthcare Group praised the high turnout on the day, telling The Chronicle, "we have had some really strong candidates sign up. We have just been gien a conract with the local authority to recruit carers for the area, so this was just perfect."
Many apprenticeship places were also signed up for on the days themselves, including over 60 at Cannock, with many more candidates filling in their application forms online with laptops provided at both Jobs Fayres.
Aidan was also pleased that the seminars at both Fayres proved so popular. In particular, the session on 'preparing for interview and body language' run by Lorna Sheldon at Cannock and 'making the right first impression' run by Debbie Bennett and David Kinch on behalf of JTI in Rugeley, were a huge hit with local people and should stand local jobseekers in better stead for future interviews.
Commenting Aidan said: "I would like thank all the businesses and jobseekers for getting involved in these two Job Fayres.
"At the beginning of this process I was clear that if we could help just one person find employment then the Fayres would be worthwhile. I am delighted therefore that a number of businesses have already got in touch saying that they have employed several people who they had met at the Fayres. I hope this is just the beginning and that many more attendees will go on to gain employment."
