Hundreds of local residents attended MP Robert Largan's first-ever High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair on Friday (29 October) at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School.

Vacancies were on offer in a range of sectors, from healthcare to engineering, helping to get people back into high-quality employment and helping our young people enter the job market as they leave education.

Attendees from across the High Peak were able to take the opportunity discuss current job vacancies and future employment opportunities with over 40 of our region’s most highly recognisable employers under one roof.

Employers who exhibited at the High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair included Derbyshire Police, JCB, Manchester Airport, Street Crane, Chatsworth House, Tarmac, the NHS, the British Army, Breedon Cement Works and Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel.

Parents and pupils were able to benefit from a talk about apprenticeships from Apprenticeships Support & Knowledge (ASK) and innovative exercises to help people learn more about their future career pathway from Google Digital Garage.

In addition, the event also provided the opportunity for jobseekers to get one-to-one careers advice and CV-writing support from careers advisors at Derbyshire County Council, work coaches at Job Centre Plus and volunteers from The Zink Project.

The MP also arranged free transport to Chapel High School in order to ensure that everyone - from Hadfield to Harpur Hill – could access the unique opportunities available at the event.

Following the success of this year’s Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, the MP hopes to organise a similar event for High Peak residents next year.

Mr Largan commented: "Thank you to everyone who came along to my first-ever Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair on Friday. Hundreds people attended, with a many High Peak residents securing interviews and even getting apprenticeship placements!

“I am really pleased to hear so many stories of local people getting work placements, applying for jobs, or finding their career goals as a result of this event, especially after the difficulties of the past 18 months.

“The High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair was a big success, and I would like to thank everybody who helped organise it, including the Job Centre, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and our fantastic local businesses.”

Esme Pickford from Glossop, who attended the jobs fair, commented: “My grandson and I went along to the Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair and found it superbly helpful. There was a surprising number of local opportunities, which my grandson is now actively pursuing. I must compliment the firms taking part for such knowledgeable and enthusiastic young employees.

“Thank you again for the opportunities that you are bringing to the attention of local young people, who have been denied the opportunity of taking part in work experience schemes due to COVID-19.”

One Whaley Bridge resident who attended the event said: “What a useful event for my son! He’s on the autistic spectrum and, after volunteering since COVID-19 hit, is now struggling to find paid work.

“Robert’s jobs fair has given us a few leads now, thanks to very helpful organisers and exhibitors!”

Hannah Higley, Hub Coordinator at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “D2N2 were delighted to support the High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, as well as providing funding for transport to the event from Buxton and Glossop.

“It was great to see so many people in attendance, and we hope it has helped them access information about the different career options available locally.”

Images by John Parkins 

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