The event was attended by around 450 Service leavers with a wide variety of trades, looking to work in a diverse range of industries. For some of those in attendance this was the first step towards the civilian job market, with the opportunity to research the different routes on offer and chat to representatives from many different industry sectors. Others, nearing the end of their resettlement period, came with CVs in hand, ready to target specific employers and network their way towards a new second career.
The event was opened at 10am by Commodore John Fulford. He spoke openly to the employers about the feelings of apprehension every Service leaver has when leaving the Armed Forces and most importantly about the valuable experience and skills they can bring to civilian companies. As a Service leaver himself, his speech was very fitting and started the day off on a high.
52 employers had booked stands at the event, and these included BAE Systems, Barclays Bank, BP Shipping, Canary Wharf Management Ltd, Colas Rail UK Ltd, Nuffield Health, Schlumberger Oilfield UK Plc, Serco, Siemens, The Logistics Guild, Zurich and many more. Presentations were delivered by Charles Derby Group, BP Shipping and Maritime Services and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
The event was buzzing from 9.30am right up until 3pm, with employers speaking to inspired Service Leavers all through the day. Even through lunch breaks employers had their stands manned to ensure no networking or recruitment opportunities were missed. ABB Limited even asked if they could eat at their stand to make sure they catch everyone who wanted to speak to them. They were so impressed with the calibre of candidates they were seeing!
Positivity filled the air and the companies in attendance were able to speak with many potential employees about their job vacancies. Claire from Fairways Care quoted ‘Thank you for today. It was very successful for us and we got 30 names on our interest list. Even if we employ 5 people from today’s fair that would be great’.
Pete, a former Service leaver now representing South Central Ambulance Service thought the day was ‘extremely successful’, whilst Trend Controls Systems Ltd said they had met 8 people they would have given a position to there and then.
BP Shipping collected a total of 80 good quality CVs which they will be following up, following a presentation given to over 120 Service leavers interested in working for the organisation. Siemens have now employed two Service leavers after meeting them at this event.
And most importantly, Service leavers benefited on the day. Many were there to apply for vacancies and others just starting their research into the different options available and picking up networking opportunities. Some Service leavers were attending their very first event and found the day gave them the confidence they needed and received valuable, constructive feedback on their CV’s. Comments received on the day included ‘exceeded my expectations. Well done, the place was buzzing’ and ‘thank you and the rest of the CTP team for putting on a successful Career Fair today’.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the employers and Service support organisations that attended and wish the very best of luck to the Service leavers!
Don’t worry if you missed this event - you can now book onto our Employment Fairs for 2014 - check out the events calendar for full details.