Job seekers from across Cumbria will have the chance to speak directly to some of the county’s most innovative and inspiring employers at a special two-day event taking place next week.
Around 75 organisations will be taking part in the large-scale Jobs and Careers Fair taking place on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 May at the future home of Kendal College’s third campus – the second floor of the Westmorland Shopping Centre.
It’s all being hosted by a partnership of local organisations, including Cumbria Tourism, the Federation of Small Businesses, Inspira, Job Centre Plus, Kendal College and LOCALiQ.
Aimed at all ages and career stages, the event will feature both current job vacancies and opportunities to develop longer-term careers in key industries ranging from tourism and hospitality, to professional services, healthcare and public sector roles.
Alongside recruitment agencies and other support organisations like the Financial Management Bureau, a number of Universities and Further Education institutions from across the North of England will also be on hand to offer advice and inspiration.
That includes not only the University of Cumbria and Lancaster University, but the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Myerscough College, Edgehill and the University of Sheffield to make just a few.
Chris Gibson, Contract Manager at Inspira comments, “This will be an important event for jobseekers from across the county. Whether you’re looking for a part-time role, searching for a new long-term career or just toying with the idea of a job move in the near future, it’s an opportunity to come face to face with a wide range of businesses and scratch beneath the surface of what’s involved in different industries.
“So often, we have fixed ideas about what it means to work in say, tourism or hospitality – but the reality can be very different. This event is all about opening people’s ideas to the diversity and flexibility of Cumbria’s jobs market and I hope jobseekers from a whole range of backgrounds and circumstances will make the most of it.”
The Holker Group is one of the home-grown businesses taking part. Bev Russell, HR Manager at the Holker Estate says, “The Holker Group has a wide and varied portfolio of business interests and are passionate about the local communities and environments in which we work. Our business includes: Burlington Slate, Cartmel Racecourse, land and property and of course, Holker Hall and Gardens.
“We really do have a vast and varied array of roles, which includes gardeners, ground staff, events mangers, administrators, land agents, mechanical engineers, production and quarry operatives, and let us not forget our supporting services such as IT, HR, finance, and health and safety. This event provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the scope of superb roles, that are available on the Estate and around our ever-evolving company.”
Lakeland will be another of the key employers at the event. Kelly Howe, Communications Manager at Lakeland adds, “We’re delighted to be supporting the Jobs and Careers Fair and are looking forward to sharing our employment opportunities with everyone attending. Our team will be on hand to talk about our roles and share what it’s like to work at Lakeland, as well as providing helpful information on how to apply for a role and insight into the application process.
“As a national, multi-channel retailer with our Head Office and Distribution Centre in the heart of the Lake District, there are often exciting opportunities across departments such as marketing, buying, finance, distribution, customer service and retail and we’re looking forward to exploring these in more detail with attendees at the fair.”
The Jobs and Careers Fair will open its doors from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 May on the second floor of the Westmorland Shopping Centre.