2:05pm Monday 18th February 2013
TRAFFORD Council hosted a successful apprenticeships and jobs fair recently.
The fair, organised by the council’s Connexions and Human Resources services, brought together 23 Greater Manchester businesses and training providers under one roof.
Now in its fourth year, this year's event at Sale Waterside attracted more than double the number from last year.
They took the opportunity to speak to the hundreds of school and college leavers, unemployed young people, parents and carers who attended, about over 200 different apprenticeships available.
Those attending had the chance to obtain professional career advice and guidance, while many also registered with the National Apprenticeship Service. By registering, they made sure they will receive notice of all upcoming apprenticeship opportunities – which will hopefully see more of them joining the over 1500 Trafford young people already benefiting from apprenticeships.
Young people were also asked to complete an evaluation survey, the results of which were very positive.
These included: * 90 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that there was a good range of apprenticeship opportunities available.
* 91 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that as a result of attending they have applied or will apply for opportunities seen on the day. This could result in up to 166 young people securing a job or paid apprenticeship as a direct result of the event.
* 90 per cent of young people felt the fair had met their needs and expectations.
Here's what two young people said after attending the Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair: Chloe Phillips, aged 16, who is due to leave school this summer. She said: "It was good and helpful and it has given me more opportunities. I now have an interview and have applied for another vacancy as a result of attending the fair."
Twenty-year-old attendee, Sean Blight, said: "The people at the jobs fair were very helpful and friendly and wanted the best for me, they gave me all the information I needed to take forward."
John Whitby, chief executive of Salford and Trafford Engineering Group STEGTA, said he was "particularly impressed with the level and quality of young people who attended the event."
Any 13-19 year-olds who couldn’t get to the fair can still obtain professional careers advice from Trafford’s Connexions Service. All they need to do is visit www.connexions-trafford.co.uk or call 0161 911 8600.
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