A MAJOR skills fair in Workington saw over 50 employers turn out to showcase what they have to offer young people in the area.
Hosted by Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, the second Workington Skills Fair saw employers from many different sectors showcase what they had to offer at the event held in the Workington Sports Centre last Thursday, February 8.
As well as the many employers and training providers, the event saw a special visit from Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan.
Speaking from the event, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: “There has been quite a number through the door already and I have hopes it will be busier than last year, which was really busy. I am just really excited to see it.
“I always say if someone walks through that door and finds something for them that they didn’t know existed before they came here, that’s my job done, just that one person.
“I think that probably happened for quite a lot of people last year. I am learning what some of these companies who are right on my doorstep do and I have lived here for 42 years... we can’t expect 16-18 year olds to understand everything fully that is on their doorstep. But if I can showcase to them employers and training providers that’s what this is all about.”
Mr Jenkinson thanked all the employers who had sponsored and held stands at the event, saying the ‘support is fantastic’.
Anthony Mansfield, managing director of Persimmon Lancashire, and Cumbria said: “From our point of view we are really pleased to be the main sponsor for the event, we focus on apprentices across developments in Lancashire and Cumbria.
“There is a skills shortage across the country and only if we invest in apprenticeships will we be able to solve that for the future, and that is why we attend these events and put a lot of time and effort to bring apprentices through.”
Kirstie Donnelly, CEO at City and Guilds said: “It’s just great to see how skills are being supported on a very local level, especially during National Apprenticeship Week, as in my view there is nothing more important than young people having choice.
"Apprenticeships are just a really brilliant choice for people to consider as they think about their progression into jobs.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here