EMPLOYMENT and training opportunities for young people in Partington were given a boost with a jobs fair held last Thursday (May 30).

The jobs fair, which was hosted by Trafford Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Partington Neighbourhood Partnership, invited unemployed young people to meet businesses located in the Partington and Carrington area.

With 85 young people aged between 18-24 actively seeking work in the Partington area, the aim of the jobs fair was to bring them together with businesses, to help match young people with the job vacancies, work experience and training opportunities available.

It was officially opened by Cllr Michael Hyman, who said: “By bringing together young people and employers, we believe there are fantastic benefits for all involved. The opportunities created have the potential to make a big difference and help kick start the careers of young people in Partington.”

Colin Billingsley, from the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We are committed to supporting young people and getting them into work. This jobs fair is one of the ways we are working with our partners and local businesses to help support the young people of Partington into employment or training.”

The Jobs Fair is part of a wider initiative - the ‘Partington Pledge’ - which was launched by Partington Neighbourhood Partnership and Trafford’s Employment, Skills and Enterprise Group last month. The aim behind the initiative is to help unemployed young people in Partington into work and the jobs fair is the start of a programme of support.

As part of the event, businesses and partner agencies including Premier Inn, Alstom, Duro Felguera and Cartwright Group offered practical advice on job applications, CV writing and interview preparation.

Jobseeker, Sean Thompson, 23, from Partington, whyo has been unemployed for eight months, said: “This event is brilliant. It can be really hard to get the opportunity to speak to employers and find out what jobs are available, so to have them all at the one event really helps.

“I’ve had support from the Job Centre and attended a business awareness course over the past few months, but I’m keen to speak to the employers here to see what jobs are available and get some advice on how to tailor my CV better.”

Helen Jennings, recruitment manager at commercial vehicle and trailer manufacturer, the Cartwright Group, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from the young people today and a lot of interest in our engineering apprenticeship scheme. We already offer over 40 engineering apprenticeships a year, but we will always find space for talent.”

Trafford Council leader, Cllr Matthew Colledge, said: “I’ve been really impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people who have attended today. I am sure that there will be a number of opportunities that open up for those who attended.”