News

Recruitment fair hailed a success

Posted on Wednesday 9th September 2015

A Newport city centre recruitment fair, organised by Newport City Council in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, Careers Wales, Queensberry Real Estate and Newport Now, attracted more than 4,000 jobseekers today.

 It was one of largest events ever held in Newport with hundreds of jobs on offer with a range of businesses, from independents to big names.

 Held in Newport Centre, there were opportunities to work in retail, leisure and hospitality for businesses already established in the city centre or planning to open up there. Prospective employers included those who have signed up for the new Friars Walk development.

 Newport City Council’s Work Based Learning Academy (WBLA) has worked tirelessly with Jobcentre Plus and Careers Wales over the past four months to make today’s event a success.

 Feedback from the companies attending has been excellent with the following comments received:

 Kerrie Hanbury, general manager of Cineworld Cinemas

 “We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout at the recruitment fair. Being a local girl I’m so proud to be a part of something so positive for the city. It was great to meet so many potential employees face to face and I now look forward to going through all the application forms and finding my new team.”

 Richard Price, recruitment manager, Chiquitos

 “The jobs fair at Newport was the best, well- organised, highest attended event I have ever done and I have done a lot around the UK! Well done WBLA.”

 Emma Cavill, Burlesque

 “As an independent company we came along to the jobs fair and thought it was a fantastic venue. Very well organised, well looked after, very supporting – we would definitely do this again.”

 Barry Finch, Burger King

 “Wow! We cannot believe how many people and how much interest the day has given us.”

 Nick and the Nando’s crew

 “The Nando’s team have found the day fantastic, totally blown away by the attendance today in Newport. We weren’t expecting it to be half as busy as this and we’re sure we will have found loads of new ‘chickens’ to join us and help ‘hatch’ our lovely new restaurant in Friars Walk. Thank you for an amazing day.”

 Amy Beeston, recruitment coordinator, Las Iguanas

 “The day has been a great success and exceeded expectations. We have had a productive day with lots of potential candidates. We would not hesitate to take part in this kind of event again.”

 Councillor Mark Whitcutt, Cabinet Member for Skills and Work, said: “Newport city centre is going to be a fantastic place to shop, work and visit. Hundreds of jobs are being created both in Friars Walk and in other new businesses coming to the city.

 “Newport WBLA has a proven track record in helping people getting into the world of work from graduates to the long-term unemployed and in assisting firms to find the right people with the skills for their businesses. Its contribution to ensuring Newport is a city on the rise is invaluable.”

 Companies taking part in today’s event included Next, H&M, Debenhams, Mothercare, Pure Gym, Newport Live, Interserve, Burlesque Hair Company, The Entertainer and Tiger.

 For more information on the Work Based Learning Academy email wbla@newport or call 01633 414865. 

More Information

There are no news articles that match your criteria.