The first Stokesley Jobs Fair has been hailed a success, bringing together employers, jobseekers, training providers and support organisations to create new opportunities for local residents and businesses. The event demonstrated how organisations can work together to tackle recruitment challenges, while improving access to employment, skills and training support.
Strong Employer and Community Engagement
Developed by Business North Yorkshire, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Adult Learning North Yorkshire and other local partners, the fair attracted 10 employers and more than 55 jobseekers. Attendees were able to meet employers, explore vacancies and access careers, training and employability advice in one convenient location.
Feedback from both employers and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Businesses valued the opportunity to meet potential candidates face-to-face, while jobseekers appreciated being able to access a wide range of employment and support services in one location. One participating employer described the event as "a great experience with positive outcomes", while DWP colleagues highlighted it as a strong example of partnership working in action.
Supporting Employment, Skills and Confidence
While supporting recruitment was a key objective, the event also helped connect residents with organisations that can support skills development, confidence building and progression into employment. Popular stands included those from DWP, Adult Learning North Yorkshire and Life Chats, which provided information on training opportunities, employability support and pathways into work.
The event demonstrated the wider role jobs fairs can play in supporting economic participation and helping people overcome barriers to employment while providing employers with access to local talent.
Building Momentum Across North Yorkshire
The success of the Stokesley Jobs Fair is now helping to inform discussions around a more coordinated approach to employment events across North Yorkshire. Partners are exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration, improve consistency and enhance support available to both businesses and residents. By combining expertise, networks and resources, partners successfully connected employers with potential recruits while supporting residents to explore employment, training and development opportunities.
The next Jobs Fair will take place in Thirsk on 24 September at Rural Arts. Local businesses looking to recruit are encouraged to get involved and take advantage of the opportunity to meet potential candidates and showcase vacancies to local jobseekers.
