NorthWestWorks4U, the virtual jobs fair taking place for the second time this January, has announced that more than 200 employers have signed up to advertise roles for jobseekers across the region. This follows the first successful event in the peak of lockdown in Spring 2021.
There will be more than 10,000 growth-sector vacancies at the online fair, which will stream as a live broadcast. There will also be support and employability content, with practical advice about jobs for an audience of local job seekers in the North West.
Brands including Bupa Care Homes, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Manchester Airport Group, Marks and Spencer PLC and Autism Initiatives have already pledged jobs for NorthWestWorks4U.
Jobseekers interested in the event are encouraged to sign up promptly to secure their place for 27-28 January. It will be hosted on the Jobs Live platform, which allows candidates to speak to prospective employers while jobs are being broadcast.
NorthWestWorks4U is being co-organised – uniquely – by both the public and private sectors, with leading regional employers TalkTalk and McCann Health working in partnership with JobCentrePlus.
This second edition, as well as offering thousands of roles to a general audience looking for work, is also looking to help two distinct but very different groups divided across two days. Military veterans have often struggled to transition to civilian careers. This fair will offer specific advice tailored to this group and support from the Armed Forces Covenant.
Chief executive of Timpson, James Timpson OBE DL, has also lent his support to the event. James pioneered the recruitment of ex-offenders and coaches over 600 prison leavers across the business in various roles. He was presented with an OBE in 2011 for the training and employment of disadvantaged people. This second edition of NorthWestWorks4U will also have roles and advice for prison leavers, something he supports.
He said: “Over 10% of our workforce are prison leavers and it’s amazing that we’re able to help so many people who may be unsure of their career path. The NorthWestWorks4U jobs event is a fantastic initiative between the public-private sector and shows the wealth of opportunity out there, sector wide. With more than 10,000 vacancies at this one event, I hope it is somewhat lifechanging for many and either the start, or an extension, of their journey.”
Daniel Kasmir, Chief People Leader at TalkTalk, said: “We’re proud to be working with JobCentrePlus again to help jobseekers across the region. The NorthWestWorks4U model is future proof. People can join from anywhere, regardless of the current state of affairs, and, with the playback function, at any time. If we’ve learned one thing in the last two years, it’s that we need to be agile and ready to adapt. And I look forward to virtually meeting and hearing from both the fantastic employers and the talent that we have in our community and beyond.”
Peter Jamieson, North West Director for DWP, said: “We’re delighted to be on this journey with our partners at TalkTalk and McCann Health. Last year’s event was the first of its kind and thanks to the success we are back for 2022. Everything about the workplace culture has changed – from application right through to the day-to-day onboarding of jobs – and we’re here to support job seekers on that journey. Starting here with providing a platform for employers to showcase their opportunities.”
Those interested can sign up at www.northwestworks4u.com.
