Thursday Apr 01, 2004

Last week saw Britain's premier recruitment, careers and training fair, Careers and Jobs Live at ExCeL London, celebrate a record event with attendance figures up 30% on last year. The show was officially opened by Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham and saw over 19,000 people come through the doors looking for job, training and upskilliing opportunities.

Says Jamie Buchan, ExCeL London Chief Executive: "Careers & Jobs Live record attendance supports our ongoing trend of repeat shows seeing increasingly larger visitor numbers year on year. Currently, the average increase is 32%. This trend will hopefully continue with the constant growth and changes in East London."

"It has been a record event", explained Bruce Birchall, Exhibition Director. "The show is now the country's largest, most successful careers, recruitment, training and education exhibition. It is the fourth show we have held at ExCeL London since its opening and it has exceeded all expectations. And the feedback has been tremendous from exhibitors who have mentioned that it is not just the boost in footfall that was so positive but the quality of attendees and diversity of applicants that made this show one to celebrate."

The Thames Gateway Learning and Jobs Zone, which was a new feature this year was also commended with its emphasis on local jobs to support the Thames Gateway community, providing a spotlight on local opportunities for employers and potential employees within the area.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, was also impressed with the show:"I was really encouraged by the Careers & Jobs Live event held at ExCeL London in Newham. It was gratifying to see real efforts being made to kick-start employment in the Thames Gateway area. Regeneration is very important to me and I think many of the organisations exhibiting recognise the need for new talent in certain areas of the country. Employers such as the army, the NHS and Tesco were enthusiastic about the numbers and variety of candidates who approached them about careers. I am sure Careers & Jobs Live will build on this success in future years."

Testimonials

Liza Alger, Project Manager, Thames Gateway London Stanstead Project: "We have had a fantastic response. We are hoping to feed a good majority of people who have filled out enquiry forms onto the programme. Our aim was to promote awareness and this has been achieved. We will definitely come back as the show has been very worthwhile for us."

Michelle Lambert, Resourcing Officer, British Gas Recruitment Centre: "The diversity of people at Careers & Jobs Live is just what we are looking for as it is important to us to reflect the diverse customer base we have developed at British Gas. The show has been an ideal vehicle to fill the engineer and modern apprenticeship vacancies we have to offer."

Graham Arnold, Project Manager, Connexions Careers Management Futures: "The show has been a phenomenal success, large numbers of young people and adults have sought careers advice. People have come from all over East Anglia and London. The show has also been great for us to network with other exhibitors."

Kay Morris, Operations Development Manager, Britvic: "The show has been even better than last year for us. There has been a good flow of people and we have doubled our application handout. We will definitely be booking for next year."