Carlisle MP, John Stevenson, is getting ready to host Carlisle’s 10th annual skills fair as he states the importance of it for the youth of his constituency.

The event has been a great success in all the previous years, with thousands attending over the years and when it takes place on Thursday, January 25, 2-6.30pm at Carlisle College.

Carlisle Skills Fair is a great way for local young people and jobseekers to explore their options and find out about the opportunities that businesses and training providers have on offer in the area.

Commenting John said: “It is important to demonstrate to young people that they don’t have to move away in order to gain the skills and training to be able to get a good job or a foot on the career ladder.

“There are so many opportunities for them right here on their doorstep.

“That’s why I am so pleased to have been able to establish Carlisle Skills Fair as an annual event.

“It’s fantastic that people in Carlisle can access local training and job opportunities under one roof.

“However, none of this would be possible without the continued support of local training providers and both the big and small companies we have in and around Carlisle.

“I am very grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this event a reality.”

The main sponsors of the 10^th Anniversary Carlisle Skills Fair are the Cumberland Building Society, Persimmon and Pladis.

Helen Anderson, People Attraction Coordinator from the Cumberland Building Society said: “Being involved in the tenth annual skills fair is something we’re really proud of.

“To think about how many people have attended these events over the last decade and benefited from conversations, not just with us, but all the organisations involved is testament to the opportunities available in the region as well as the talent we have here.

“We’re excited to be there to be part of the conversations and opportunities that will come from attending again this year.

“Whether that’s being there for someone starting out, interested in in a career change or looking for a new challenge. We’re looking forward to it.”

While Anthony Mansfield, Persimmon’s Managing Director responsible for Lancashire and Cumbria added: “We’re delighted to once again be sponsoring the annual Carlisle Skills Fair.

“It’s a fantastic event and a great way for young people to talk to employers like ourselves and learn more about the opportunities available to them.

 “As a proud partner of Carlisle College, we’re really looking forward to meeting students and young people interested in the many different careers that construction and housebuilding has to offer.”

Mark Ebdon, Factory General Manager at pladis’ Carlisle bakery, said: “As a major employer in Carlisle we are delighted to again be a sponsor of already the 10^th Annual Carlisle Skills Fair.

“Our Carr’s bakery is the oldest biscuit factory in the world, but we are continuing to invest in the site, most recently creating a new warehouse and 50 new roles earlier this year.

“There are a wide variety of roles available with employers in Carlisle and so we’d love people to come along and learn about the opportunities on offer.”

Also supporting the 10^th Anniversary Carlisle Skills Fair are Carlisle College, Gen2, Inspira, Jobcentre Plus, JTL Training, Lakes College, PHX Training, SP Training, and the University of Cumbria.

Carlisle Skills Fair is taking place from 2pm-6.30pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Carlisle College, Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1HS.

To sign up to exhibit at the skills fair, call 01228 550684 or email office@johnstevensonmp.co.uk