JobFest has inspired the next generation and is helping them get the jobs that they want

On Tuesday 6^th March, as part of National Apprenticeship week, over 60 amazing Swindon based employers spent 5 hours talking to over 850 young people from the Swindon area, about the great job and apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.

Attending were: school and college students from 16 different Swindon and Wiltshire establishments, job seekers, returners to work, young people with their parents/carers and a couple of babies attended, over 90% living within 10 miles of Swindon town centre.

“Really good event – lots of interest, would like to attend again” said 3aaa. Zurich commented, “Very well organised and a good day to be part of.” Cleeve Technology said they would come again to future JobFest events and Green Labryinth said, “The support to get school pupils involved has obviously worked well.”

“The students really enjoyed today’s event and all felt they came away with something useful from a relevant employer. Thank you,” said Jessica Cook, Swindon Academy and Jane Dent, Pupil Guidance & Work Experience Co-ordinator, Stratton Education Centre (PRU) remarked, “What can I say? Jobfest 2018 was fantastic, well worth it for our young people.”

“Talking to my teenage daughter can be getting blood out of a stone. However after her visit to JobFest today with Dorcan Academy she is bouncing off the walls with ideas for the future. Growing up too quickly but I like to see her full of hope and adventure,” remarked Clare Jones on Facebook.

Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “JobFest is a great event and it was inspiring to see so many young people speaking to local businesses and forming their ideas for where they want to take their careers.

“Apprenticeships are a really good option for people who don’t want to continue to further education or would prefer to earn while continuing their education in a job.

“JobFest isn’t the only opportunity to access apprenticeships and anyone considering their future career should look at taking up an apprenticeship in Swindon”

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn and learn at the same time, and now is a great time to find out about the excellent opportunities that there are in the Swindon area. Visit www.jobfestswindon.co.uk to find the opportunities available from the companies that attended JobFest, alternatively you can visit www.swindon.gov.uk/apprentices or www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

Swindon JobFest, funded by Swindon Borough Council, and sponsored by Knorr Bremse, GLL and SWLEP.

JobFest was held during the Government’s 11th National Apprenticeship Week initiative (NAW 2018) that runs from 5^th– 9th March 2018. During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

The following companies attended JobFest: