BOLTON'S award-winning Jobs & Skills Fair – a free event which is held in partnership with Bolton College, Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Job Centre Plus and the University of Bolton – returned for the fourth year running to help the town's unemployed find work.
The Fair scored its hat-trick last year as it was hailed as a huge success and came out on top in the Community category of the Bolton & Bury Business Awards 2013.
A major contributor to this prestigious accolade was the College's decision to enlist the expert help of entrepreneur Adam Corbally, former finalist of BBC1's The Apprentice. Adam was back again this year to offer his advice on both finding the right job and starting your own business, in addition to industry expert Paul Rigby, of Forrest, who spoke to jobseekers about building a career in the Construction sector.
Self-starter Adam said: "Life is what you make it, and you just have to approach every opportunity with positivity and enthusiasm. I didn't do amazingly at school, but I've learnt so much since then – particularly during my time on The Apprentice. I've really benefited from the advice I've received throughout my career, and it's been great to come back to Bolton and give some of my own to the town's proactive jobseekers!"
This year more than 80 companies were exhibiting in the employers' marketplace, promoting over 1,000 job vacancies and volunteering opportunities. There was also a range of ‘Have a Go' activities – plus demonstrations showcasing desirable industry skills – covering areas such as Catering, Hair & Beauty, Forensic Science and the Motor Vehicle trade, in addition to various employability workshops.
Marie Gilluley, Principal and CEO of Bolton College, commented: "Our top priority at Bolton College is to either prepare our learners for their first steps into employment or help them to progress their careers through additional learning, Apprenticeships or Higher Education. The event has been a great success since its first year and today was no exception. We were particularly pleased with the interest shown in our brand new STEM Centre – the ‘Have a Go' activities were very popular with both adults and young people."