JOBSEEKERS in Swindon will be hoping to benefit from a special campaign this summer in town to help them get into work.

Swindon Jobcentre has launched a summer jobs campaign for young people to help prepare them for their long-term career.

The Princes Street facility has been getting employers to come in to the centre to speak to people looking for work.

And staff are making sure they equip people with the skills to get that job.

Work coach team leader at the centre in Princes Street Sam Edwards said: “August is a busy time in recruitment as examination results are released. Whether continuing on into higher education or looking for an apprenticeship or first job, many people are looking to plan their career.

“Companies in the area recognise the value of apprentices at all levels, a fact reflected in the wide range of occupations represented across the 50 live apprenticeship opportunities listed on gov.uk at time of writing.

“At the Jobcentre we run group interview sessions to up-skill our customers in the opportunities and jobs on offer, working with partner organisations to help our customers develop the knowledge, initiative and tenacity they will need to forge a successful career path.”

Already this month employers such as Openreach, Raeburn Care, Staffmatch, Avon, the Army, Apollo and Chiquitos have been to the centre to interview people.

Sam added: “The team at the Jobcentre continues to promote jobs in a range of sectors.”

Retail has expanded in Swindon with new Home Bargains and Poundstretcher stores, and Argos, Prospect, Primark and Body Shop are all looking for staff.

There are jobs in construction advertised at the centre and English Heritage has been looking for admin and sales staff.

The employment picture in the South West is good. the region has the highest employment rate in the country at 79.4 per cent compared to a UK average of 75.6 per cent., and 45,000 ,more people are in work in the region than last year

In order to help people find a job for the summer a dedicated portal for the jobs has been set up on the free government website Find a Job at www.gov.uk/jobsearch

In Swindon, more than 800 jobs have been posted on the portal with 50 live apprenticeship opportunities listed on the portal in Swindon alone.

Work and Pensions Secretary of State Esther McVey said: “Getting a summer job is the perfect way to earn some money and develop employment skills. Saturday jobs and part-time employment for students has dropped drastically in the past 20 years.

“This represents a missed opportunity for young people to really impress when they get their first permanent job. Employers tell me it makes all the difference when young people are work ready – and we want to support them do just that.”