Hundreds of local jobseekers turn out for a buzzing Jobs Fair at Stafford College
Hundreds of jobseekers from across the Stafford area came together last week for a vibrant and well-attended Jobs Fair, organised by Leigh Ingham MP and Stafford JobCentre Plus. Held at Stafford College on Wednesday 30th July, the free event was designed to open up local opportunities by connecting residents directly with employers, training providers, and support services.
A wide range of employers were on hand – from large firms like GE Vernova, Bostik, and Converge Technology Solutions, to vital local services including Katharine House Hospice, Staffordshire Police, and University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust. The organisations had a range of roles available, including full time, part time, and apprenticeships.
There was also a range of training and support organisations on hand to give advice, including Stafford College’s adult education team, and MENCAP who support individuals with SEND into employment.
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages said: “For me, this Jobs Fair was all about connection. It was about our brilliant local employers having the chance to meet people who want to contribute, learn, and grow.
“We’re seeing some really positive developments in Stafford at the moment. GE Vernova’s expansion will bring hundreds of good-quality jobs to our area – exactly the kind of investment in skilled good jobs we want to see more of. But this kind of growth only works if we match it with a strong, skilled, local workforce – and that’s where events like this make all the difference.”
Stu Aitken, Employer Advisor at Stafford JobCentre Plus, said: “The event was a fantastic success, with hundreds of jobseekers engaging with 31 employers and training providers. A lot of those businesses attend other jobs fairs and events around the county, and what I was hearing a lot of was that they don’t usually see events that big outside of venues like the NEC in Birmingham.
“It was an electric atmosphere and the energy, enthusiasm, and goodwill everyone brought to the day was truly humbling. It’s no exaggeration to say that events like this change lives, often in ways we’ll never fully see. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together, and I’m grateful for the collaborative spirit that made it all possible.”
The event marked a successful collaboration between local partners working to support residents, tackle barriers to employment, and promote economic opportunity across Stafford and beyond.
