More than 400 people took advantage of career and skills support provided by 30 employers and training providers at the first ever South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, hosted by Karin Smyth MP.
Karin Smyth MP, with City of Bristol College Principal Lee Probert and apprentices Casey Abrams and Craig Jenkins
The Bristol South MP teamed up with City of Bristol College and The Bristol Post to organise the event, at Hengrove’s South Bristol Skills Academy.
Those who attended had the opportunity to:
• Find out what local apprenticeship opportunities are available
• Learn what employers are looking for, how they recruit and what training they offer
• Find out about training, and what employers look for when they’re recruiting
• Strengthen their CV by showing it to employers for advice
• Talk to current apprentices about what life’s like for them.
Karin Smyth said: “It was good to see so many people coming through the doors of the excellent South Bristol Skills Academy, and there was a real buzz in the hall.
“Having talked to dozens of people on the day I know they were grateful for the good advice and support they received in a ‘one-stop shop’ environment, helping them better understand the career pathways that are available.
“I was delighted to use my role as local MP to bring together young people and adult job seekers together with a range of employers and training providers to open dialogues and discussions between them. This will be good not only for those considering future careers, but also for employers which are well-placed to open doors.
“I know many parents who brought young people along appreciated the chance to get a better understanding which will help them provide support in the months and years ahead.
“As we head for Brexit, south Bristol’s skills and apprenticeships priority becomes even more important because we need to make the most of the opportunities that Brexit might provide to improve local employment and training.
“For example, if restrictions on free movement lie ahead, leading to fewer foreign workers, it will be even more important to ensure good quality training opportunities – in construction, IT, engineering and the NHS, for example – so people living in communities across south Bristol can access these jobs.”
Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Bristol College said: “We were delighted to host this Jobs and Apprenticeships fair on behalf of Karin Smyth MP. Here at the City of Bristol College we work closely with employers to ensure we are developing highly employable students that are focussed on their progression into the workplace and which are meeting the needs of local businesses. The job fair was a great opportunity to showcase potential employers to the students and to demonstrate to employers what our students have to offer.”