NEW YEAR - NEW DIRECTION?

If you have made a new year’s resolution to get a new job, change career, learn a new skill, or take up volunteering, then the South Bedfordshire Jobs, Skills and Training Fair could be just the ticket to get you started.

The fair, which is being organised by South Bedfordshire District Council in partnership with Job Centre Plus and funded by Bedfordshire County Council, will take place on Wednesday 17 January from 1pm until 4pm and 5pm until 7pm at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis.

A variety of local employers, training and education providers, and voluntary organisations will be on hand let people know what opportunities are available locally for people to take-up employment, training and volunteering.

Donna Wilkinson from the council’s Economic Regeneration Team said: “January is typically a time when many people think about what they want to achieve in the year or perhaps take different path in their lives. By holding this event we hope to make it easier for people to find out what that might be. With so many organisations at the fair, there will be plenty of opportunities for people who are looking to try something new, be it improving skills or starting a new job.”

Among the organisations taking part in the day will be new employers The Grove Theatre and Superdrug, who will move in to a distribution centre at the recently completed Prologis Park, Dunstable this year. Both are set to create hundreds of jobs the district.

Others attending include: Easyjet, Greggs, Connexions, Aldwyck Housing Association, Flexistaff, Groundwork, Remploy, Bedfordshire County Council, Job Centre Plus, University of Bedfordshire, Dunstable College, Barnfield College, The Prince’s Trust, Young Enterprise, Learning for Life, The Learning Partnership, Spark Adult and Community Learning, Business Link, Bedfordshire PCT, Millennium Volunteers, the Army and Voluntary Community Action South Bedfordshire.

A number of practical workshops will also be held to help people with CV writing, starting a business and interview skills. These need to be booked in advance by calling Rebecca on 01582 685212.  Spark Adult and Community Learning will be offering a craft workshop and Dunstable College will be holding demonstrations of a number of their courses. These should be booked in advance by calling Donna on 01582 474191.

Free transport to the event is available from the Mayfield Centre in Downside and Houghton Regis High Street. A free crèche is also available between 2pm and 4pm (places must be booked in advance on 01582 474191).

Ends

Press release issued: January 5 2007