MP John Stevenson has hosted eight Carlisle Skills Fairs – and is looking forward to the ninth, taking place later this month. Here’s why he believes the event is important for people and their futures.
This is the ninth annual Carlisle Skills Fair I have hosted and it takes place on January 26 between 2pm and 6.30pm at Carlisle College.
It is an event designed to bring together employers, further and higher education and skills providers alongside organisations that can provide job-related and career advice.
I have hosted the skills fair in Carlisle every year since 2014, with the exception of 2021 when, disappointingly, COVID restrictions did not allow it to take place.
The pandemic for many, young people in particular, meant missing out on valuable opportunities to experience the world of work and the chance to try different sectors. Even now, we are still playing catch up.
That’s one of the reasons why the skills fair is so important.
Job vacancies are still high in Cumbria as they have been for some years, and new jobs in new fields particular digital infrastructure and the green economy are becoming available now and in the future.
It is vitally important that we equip our young people, our job seekers and our existing workforce with the right skills, knowledge and experience to benefit from these real opportunities.
The skills fair will ensure that employers and skills providers have the opportunity to talk with young people and job seekers and explain what the opportunities are, the skills and knowledge required to fulfil these roles and how to apply for vacancies and training.
Jobs and skills are a vital part of the levelling up agenda and I am pleased to be able to bring job seekers, students, employers and educational providers together.
I am also delighted that we have a number of employers attending across a variety of sectors and I hope that everyone who attends leaves with a sense of positivity and opportunity for the future. I would like to thank all those who have helped me to make this happen, including our key sponsors Center Parcs, The Cumberland, and Persimmon Homes.
Carlisle Skills Fair takes place on January 26 from 2pm to 6.30pm at Carlisle College and all are welcome
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