New date for Wiltshire’s biggest careers fair

LOCAL MP Michelle Donelan has announced the new date for Wiltshire’s largest Careers Fair, which is set to showcase the huge range of local talent, skills and job opportunities in the area. 

The event will now take place on Friday 14 October at the Olympiad Leisure Centre in Chippenham, from 10am to 1pm. The event is free to attend and is open to the whole community.

In line with the period of national mourning, the event was postponed earlier this month following the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As well as helping young people from local schools to pick a quality career path, the event is also designed to help those who are out of work, those who are looking to reskill or upskill, and those who would like a change in career, but don’t know where or how to start looking.

A whole host of businesses and organisations from Melksham, or with jobs in Melksham, are attending and supporting the event, including: Knorr-Bresme, Avon Protection, Goughs, Wiltshire Police, Autonomy Care Group, Waitrose, Aldi, and Tesco. Other employers attending include Siemens, Babcock, Wadworth, Wiltshire Council, and many more, all of whom have opportunities available in the local area.

Pupils from the Sixth Form at Melksham Oak will be attending, along with other schools from the local area, offering local young people the opportunity to meet over 60 quality employers in one place.

The event is a great opportunity to find out more about current vacancies and how to apply, discover apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate schemes, ask any questions, and find out more about working life at the employers who are attending. Google will be providing CV advice and digital training to help attendees who are on their job search.

Wiltshire College & University Centre are supporting the event and will be on hand to talk about the range of courses on offer across their campuses, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and new T-Levels.

Businesses or organisations who would like to attend the Careers Fair and run a stand are very welcome to email: michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk to confirm a place.

The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP said, “Broadening skills and opportunities is a real passion of mine, and I have continued to champion this locally since I was first elected. My Careers Fair, run in partnership with Wiltshire College & University Centre and supported by Arralis and Wavin, is the perfect opportunity to bring the community together with a huge range of local employers.

“From opportunities with small, independent businesses, to some of the largest employers in the county, this is a showcase for the huge range of talent and industries who are based locally. As well as helping those young people who are thinking about which career path is right for them, the event is also about helping local people who are out of work, those looking to reskill or upskill, or even those who are looking for a change of career, and I’d love to see as many people as possible there!”

Iain Hatt, chief executive and Principal of Wiltshire College said, “As the largest provider of vocational and technical skills training in Wiltshire, we know how important skills are for career progression, and are delighted to be involved with this Careers Fair to help and support everyone find the right career path for them.”

The event is also sponsored by Arralis and Wavin, who are both based in Chippenham and will be advertising the range of opportunities available in their businesses.