Welsh employers to unite for free jobs expo in a bid to halt recruitment crisis

THE team behind a transformative jobs and education programme are encouraging businesses to attend a free careers exhibition for 16 to 24 year olds.

The Conwy Careers Fair will be held at Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay on Thursday March 23 from 11am to 4pm.

Conwy Employment Hub has already signed-up leading names from across the region and is calling on more to help ease the nationwide recruitment crisis in multiple sectors.

The Hub – which oversees Communities for Work Plus – organised the event in partnership with Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support team, having secured funding from the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee.

A new Young People’s Hub has also been launched as stakeholders sharpen their focus on uniting industry to provide more opportunities and help support 16 to 24 year olds into employment and/or training to develop lifelong skills.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Service, said: “Following the success of last year’s Expo we are delighted to be able to bring businesses, educators, and organisations from a wide variety of arenas together to showcase their organisations and discuss future careers and apprenticeships with young people in the area.

“We will have a mixture of stands, interactive displays and activities designed to bring young people and employers under one roof, so they can engage and move forward together.

“This is a free event so it’s also a cost-effective platform for recruitment, while demonstrating how the private and public sector in North Wales are working in tandem to help fill the many job roles that are out there.”

The Barn at Eirias Events Centre will be divided into sections for exhibitors, talks and workshops, and this year will include an inflatable assault course and iBox games bus.

Among those to have already registered are Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and North Wales Training.

Sioned Williams, Community and Social Impact Manager at Creating Enterprise, said this is a golden opportunity that employers, schools, colleges and universities should capitalise on.

“We are really excited to be a part of the planning team and are focused on promoting the day to as many young people in our communities as possible, as well as the opportunities we have at Creating Enterprise and Cartrefi Conwy,” she said.

“We are so lucky to live in an area where so many employers are supportive of our projects and initiatives – it’s amazing to be able to pair the young people and opportunities.”

Peter Cadmore, a Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Careers Wales, added: “We’re thrilled to be attending the Conwy Careers Fair again this year.

“Events such as these are a fantastic way of engaging with young people on different careers and local opportunities.

“We will be there to talk to young people about their options and provide guidance on potential next steps.”

Sarah Blackshaw, DWP Employer Partnership Manager for Conwy, believes this is a forum all sectors should attend to help boost the economy and employment in North Wales, and said: “We are looking forward to the event, which will give young people the opportunity to speak with local employers and hear about the opportunities available.”

Amanda Ballance, Business Services Manager for Business, Tourism and Regeneration at Conwy County Council, added: “We believe this is a great platform for our businesses to engage with young people who are considering their career path or looking for employment, training, or apprenticeship opportunities.

“The event will not only promote the opportunities currently on offer but also highlight the wide range of roles and careers many of our key sectors can provide.”

Companies and organisations looking to register for a free place can email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 577202.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.