Carlisle Skills Fair is celebrating its 10th anniversary – welcoming thousands of young people and jobseekers through its doors – and 2024 is your chance to find out what is on offer if you’re looking for a new career.
Organised by Carlisle MP John Stevenson, it will be held on Thursday, January 25 at Carlisle College and feature around 70 employers.
Mr Stevenson said: “It’s been 10 years of helping Cumbrians learn the right skills for the jobs of the future and I am extremely proud to say this is the 10th anniversary Carlisle Skills Fair.
“Thousands of young people and job seekers have joined me across the years and hundreds of local employers and training providers have attended. I am immensely grateful to all those who have helped make this happen, from sponsors and supporters, to businesses across the area, and all those who work behind the scenes months in advance of today.
“We are fortunate in Carlisle that job figures remain very healthy, with employment currently at 80.3%, and unemployment at 3.2% according to data released in 2023 by the Office of National Statistics.
“We must aspire to support all local people seeking work into meaningful employment, and where possible ensure that we are retaining, and retraining where possible, skilled talent.”
He added that demand for workers and open vacancies remained high, and was expected to continue in this vein as business investment remained resilient.
Mr Stevenson added: “The Carlisle Skills Fair is a great initiative that will put around 70 employers in one place for young people and jobseekers to meet and get to know about jobs, apprenticeships and skills training available, right here in Carlisle.
“I am committed to collaborating with educators and the local business community. We must enable our people to access employment opportunities and minimise the skills gap restricting business growth.
“It is also a great way to ensure our young people are prepared and inspired for the world of work. I hope that everyone who attends leaves with a sense of positivity.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to make this happen.”
The main sponsors of the 2024 skills fair are the Cumberland Building Society, Persimmon and Pladis and the event is also supported by Carlisle College, Gen2, Inspira, Jobcentre Plus, JTL Training, Lakes College, PHX Training, SP Training, and the University of Cumbria.
