Gloucestershire jobs fair 'Lifts Off' off to help local jobseekers
Local employers from across the county have gathered at Kingsholm stadium to provide panel talks and job opportunities for unemployed local people
Last updated 11th Sep 2020
An employment fair 'Lifts Off' this morning at Kingsholm Stadium to help tack unemployment in the city and provide employment opportunities for locals.
Gloucestershire;s Jobs, Skills and Apprenticeship LiftOff has been organised by local MP Richard Graham and Gloucester Rugby's CEO Lance Bradley to help combat unemployment in the city.
It's a chance for jobseekers to talk to leading employers in sectors from cyber and steam technology to energy transmission and oft drink manufacturing.
The NHS, all the Armed Forces, Gloscestershire Constabulary, the County Council and all the County Universities and Colleges will be at the event.
Gloucester Rugby itself is also offering over 100 jobs as well.
For those unable to attend the pre-booked event, all talks and sessions will be available to live stream through out the day here
Richard Graham MP highlighted the programme’s live streaming on glosliftoff.co.uk, saying: “despite the safety limits on how many people can come physically, anyone in the county can watch the Ministers’ talks and panel discussions online.”
He added: "It's also about alerting employers to the fact that the crunch is coming for many people and to encourage them to give people in Gloucestershire first dibs at being able to access the opportunities in th county that exist.
"This is a real call to arms to support job seekers and those who are unemployed. It's had support from other MPs and local government which is what gives me confidence that there will almost something here for everyone"
Employment Minister Mims Davies will launch the event, encouraging the county’s employers to take on new ‘kick starters’ through the Government's scheme which allows employers to fund the wages of a worker for 6 months.
Ms Davies said: “A localised and community led response is vital to ensuring that there are not only opportunities for young jobseekers throughout the UK, but people know what support is available in their local area – and the new Gloucestershire Lift Off portal does just that.
“Importantly, this event brings employers, training providers and young people together and it’s this integrated approach that will help us rebuild our economy and support people into employment – and I know our job centres across the County are already connecting people with key opportunities.
Apprenticeship Minister Gillian Keegan is also hosting a discussion on apprenticeship policy and opportunities, and will meet apprentices and their employers.
Panels include:
- How big is the cyber opportunity in Gloucestershire? (chaired by Alex Chalk MP) with representatives from BAE and Raytheon.
- The Future of Aerospace in Gloucestershire (chaired by Richard Graham MP), with Airbus, Safran, GE Aviation & Darchem
- Upskilling opportunities in Gloucestershire (chaired by Siobhan Baillie MP) with SGS College, GlosCol, University of Gloucestershire and Cirencester College.
- Why an apprenticeship can be the best start in life (chaired by Business West’s Ian Mean)
- What makes a great CV? (chaired by former Gloucester Citizen Editor Jenny Eastwood) with the National Careers Service, Gloucester Rugby and Poetons.
- How to win a job from an interview (chaired by Punchline publisher Mark Owen)
- How to start a business (hosted by the Growth Hub) How to digitalise your business (chaired by Rod Horrocks, GFirstLEP)
For the full timetable of today's events, head to the Glos LiftOff website