Job seekers' hope for bright future (From Swindon Advertiser)

Job seekers' hope for bright future

7:00am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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THOUSANDS of job seekers descended of the Swindon Advertiser’s 42nd job fair in search of a brighter future.

The event, held at the De Vere Hotel in Shaw Ridge, attracted all manner of age and experience from students to those looking for a change in direction after years in one industry.

One such career hunter was Carol Duff, 53, of Covingham, who after 10 years in retail employment is looking to branch out into the health industry.

She said: “When I heard the job fair was here I thought it was a good idea to come along and get as much information as possible to make the transition from my current path to a new one.

“It’s handy to have all the stalls in one place rather than sitting on the phone at home making lots of calls.”

Ms Duff was not the only one interested in a career with the NHS as Great Western Hospital HR adviser Nathan Webb said his team had been inundated with enquiries.

“A lot of people think it’s all doctors and nurses but health is such a diverse industry that there really is something for everyone; we’ve got jobs in finance, admin, human resources and people need to know that,” he said.

Unemployed Clare Stone, 19, is at her wits end after being out of work since October.

“I will pretty much just take what I can get at this point,” she said. “I was made redundant in October and I have lost count of the amount of letters I have sent out.

“It has been very frustrating to get replies just saying I am not suitable with no explanation, or even worse no response at all.”

But jobs were not the only thing on everyone’s minds. Recruitment consultant Veronica Hammond was encouraging young job seekers to stay in education for as long as they could.

“You may lose a job but they can’t take away your education,” said Veronica, of Highworth-based Jackie Kerr Recruitment.

“That might sound clichéd but it is true.

“This is a time for a lot of young people to get qualified.

“If they can stick that out before finding work it will serve them well.”