Opportunity awaits at free drop-in Ilfracombe Jobs and Careers Fair

A free Jobs and Careers Fair is being held in Ilfracombe next week, with more than 35 employers in attendance.

The event, organised by One Ilfracombe, is on Wednesday, February 25 at the North Devon Resort between 10am and 2pm.

It is open for anyone to drop in and find out more about employment and training opportunities in the town and wider area.

The fair will be a good chance for people to meet with potential employers to discover job and training opportunities and to receive career and job hunting support, including advice on building their CV.

READ NEXT: Ilfracombe Academy students explore their next steps into the future

One Ilfracombe has been working closely with local businesses to address skills gaps in the town and has teamed up with Learn Devon, local schools, and North Devon College adult education outreach.

Charmain Lovett, project officer at One Ilfracombe, said: “One Ilfracombe is working with a number of partners to deliver a range of courses and training opportunities for people in the local community.

“This initiative could help employers fill a gap in their team or it could help someone looking to get back into work or education.

“Maybe you’re a parent looking to get back into employment after having some time off, or you could have a hobby that you want to turn into a business, or maybe you’re in a job that needs a certain qualification to take you to that next level.

“The free Jobs and Careers Fair is a great opportunity to find out what’s available or provide you with ideas of your next steps.”

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, lead member for economic development and regeneration at North Devon Council, added: “Ilfracombe is full of talented, hardworking people, and events like this Jobs and Careers Fair really help bring that potential to life, giving people the confidence, support and encouragement to take that next step, whatever stage they’re at.

“The fair will provide direct access to employers looking to recruit now but also give advice on volunteering options and life-skills to help those moving back to employment.”

In response to feedback from employers, a range of training courses and workshops are being offered in Ilfracombe, with many of them free. Courses are available in a variety of subjects, such as digital business skills, customer care, food safety and hygiene, as well as maths and English. A recent example was a Countryside Skills workshop building bird boxes, hosted by the National Trust.

READ NEXT: North Devon tenants and landlords urged to prepare for 'major' rental reforms

For more information about the event or the courses on offer, visit the One Ilfracombe website at https://oneilfracombe.org.uk

Ilfracombe Employment Hub, at 11 Belgrave Promenade, is also open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. To make an appointment at any of Devon’s employment hubs, email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk