With Weston Jobs Fair less than a week away, we look ahead to some of opportunities available to those looking for a job in North Somerset.
The fair – which boasts a 40-strong list of attending employers – runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Weston College Conference Centre, in Lower Church Road on Wednesday. The event is organised by Weston MP John Penrose and his team, and he believes there will be something on offer for every jobseeker. Mr Penrose told the Mercury: “We’ve got more employers than ever at this year’s jobs fair, which means an even bigger range of opportunities for jobseekers too. “Whether you’re looking for a role in the hustle and bustle of our international gateway in Bristol Airport, a first step onto the food and drink career ladder at Thatchers or McDonald’s, a chance to polish your skills at Weston College, or if providing homes and care for local people at Alliance Homes or Homes Caring For Autism is more your thing, I think there should be something here to suit everyone.” We spoke to some of the employers attending the fair to discuss what opportunities they can offer jobseekers in North Somerset.
Thatchers Cider – Matthew Gazzard, director
Sandford-based cider-making giants Thatchers will have a stall at the fair.
Director Matthew Gazzard told the Mercury: “The jobs fair gives an opportunity for potential job applicants to talk to local employers such as ourselves to see if there’s a good fit.
“As a growing company there’s always something new on the horizon and we hope wherever possible to recruit from our local region.
“Weston Jobs Fair therefore gives us a platform to meet people face-to-face, and showcase the opportunities that are available for enthusiastic and passionate individuals.
“There are so many opportunities here at Myrtle Farm, whether it’s working as part of our farm team in the orchards; making cider; within sales and marketing, or our engineering and IT teams, as well as in The Railway Inn.
“We’re delighted to be a part of the event.”
Weston Hospicecare – Sue Phillips, volunteer and training administrator
Independent charity Weston Hospicecare will be attending the jobs fair. The hospice currently has more than 750 volunteers giving up their time to help those in need, and they hope to recruit more volunteers to help care for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Volunteer and training administrator Sue Phillips said: “Our volunteers are vital to the success of the hospice, and we urgently need more help in areas such as PAT testing, our eBay shop, our retail shops, and our drivers and driver’s mates program, where volunteers collect and deliver donations made to the hospice.
“At the moment, we are running a Give A Shop A Shift campaign, so we’re encouraging people to sign up for a trial shift to see what volunteering for the hospice is all about.
“We’re hoping that they’ll love it so much, they’ll want to sign up as a regular volunteer.
“We know that volunteering helps both the hospice and our volunteers, who can use the experiences to enhance their CVs, meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference in their community.”
Bristol Airport – Louise McMilan, people and performance manager
International travel hub Bristol Airport will be talking to jobseekers about a wide variety of available opportunities.
People and performance manager Louise McMilan said: “Bristol Airport is delighted to support the careers fair and attract more local people to work at the airport.
“With more than 3,000 people currently employed across 45 different employers, the workforce is forecast to increase in line with passenger growth.
“We have a variety of jobs on offer including customer service, PCV drivers, security, catering and retail roles.
“A number of Bristol Airport business partners will be on hand to discuss a range of job opportunities available and will include the hotel provider Hampton by Hilton, security provider ICTS, travel catering specialist SSP, duty free shopping operator WDF and airline handling agent Swissport.”
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