Press Releases

January 31 2006

Work and Leisure Fair for East Manchester residents

A work and leisure fair called 'Time to Change Gear' for all East Manchester residents, with particular support for refugees and minority ethnic communities, is being held at the Manchester Velodrome on Wednesday 15 February between 10am and 4pm. Over 1,500 full and part-time jobs will be available on the day across a range of industries including retail, health, transport, finance, IT and public sectors.

Targeting over 2,300 unemployed people in the East Manchester area, the event will include an exhibitors market place with a range of employers, education and training providers, volunteering agencies and a sports and arts organisations.

Organised by MARIM (The Multi Agency for Refugee Integration) in partnership with public and regeneration agencies, the event has attracted a range of leading companies and organisations including John Lewis, Asda Walmart, Manchester Airport, the NHS, Fire and Ambulance services and the Crown Prosecution Service.

There will also be a series of workshops and taster sessions focusing on job search and presentation skills, re-training opportunities, new business support, sports and leisure activities and advice on employing people from abroad.

Sean McGonigle, New Deal for Communities Co-ordinator said: "This will be a really worthwhile day for anyone from East Manchester seeking employment. A large number of employers, training providers and volunteer groups will be on hand to meet with local residents, while workshops and advisors will provide advice on anything from applying for a job to starting your own business. There will also be health and leisure activity taster sessions. "

Pam Jeffrey from MARIM East added: "These employers are positive about diversity and offer excellent job opportunities. This is a chance for people to find a new career path, which some would possibly not have considered before. In many cases no prior experience in a particular field is needed. There will also be opportunities for people wishing to develop new skills on a voluntary basis and information for those thinking about self-employment."