THE Department for Communities in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, EURES Cross Border Partnership and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is hosting a major ‘Cross Border Job Fair’ in Derry today, Wednesday, June 19.
The Cross Border Job Fair will take place in the City Hotel on Queens Quay between 1 pm and 7 pm – and admission is free.
More than 50 employers will take part with representatives from across many different sectors including the IT, manufacturing, hospitality, care and retail sectors.
These employers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss training and employment opportunities with anyone interested.
The job fair will also see the addition of local apprenticeship providers who have vacancies from GCSE to Foundation Degree level.
Eileen McGrinder, Skills Project Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “Economic development and the provision of local jobs within the District is a major priority within the Council’s Strategic Growth Plan.
“The job fair will therefore be an important driver towards these objectives and the Council is delighted to be partnering with the Department for Communities, EURES Cross Border Partnership and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to bring this event to Derry.
“The fair will offer jobseekers an invaluable opportunity to meet with prospective employers from across Derry, Strabane and Donegal to discuss and apply for actual jobs which are currently available and ready to be filled!”
Stephen McGlew from the Department for Communities (DfC) said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council in organising and delivering this job fair.
“This initiative is an excellent opportunity to make connections, get advice, and apply for real employment opportunities.
“Indeed, the fair also represents DfC’s ongoing commitment to bring together local stakeholders to work in close partnership and deliver recruitment initiatives that are tailored to shared local needs.”
Joe Lavery, EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland – N Ireland Coordinator added: “This year’s job fair will showcase a range of employers and vacancies in the North West cross border area and give jobseekers as well as job changers from both jurisdictions the opportunity to seize local, worthwhile opportunities.
“We’re therefore looking forward to a very successful event.”
Inviting jobseekers from throughout the North West to attend this year’s event, Declan Doherty from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) concluded:
“The Job Fair has something for everyone – and I’d therefore encourage anyone, whether in work, unemployed or simply assessing education and training options, to explore the wide-ranging opportunities available on the day.
“Indeed, if you’re in the market for a new career or simply looking for the first step on the ladder, this really is an unmissable event and the place that you need to be!”
A range of support organisations will also be on hand to provide advice and guidance on training and employment programmes currently available for anyone seeking to upskill or retrain.
The Cross Border Job Fair is being organised by the Education and Skills Delivery Partnership (ESDP) – established by Council as an outcome delivery partnership under the Strategic Growth Plan to support the education and skills ambitions outlined in the plan.
Along with partners, ESDP are supporting employers to secure and develop the skills they need to increase productivity, and enable individuals to find fulfilling employment and progress in today’s competitive and dynamic world of work.
Further information about the Cross Border Job Fair in the City Hotel, Derry, is available by contacting Eileen McGrinder or Nicky Gilleece, Skills Project Officers at Derry City and Strabane District Council on 02871 253253 or the Employer Engagement team at employerengagementteam@communities-ni.gov.uk Tel: 028 90909338.
