Success for Skills at Manchester Job Fair

When Manchester Fort Shopping Park, a large retail park in Cheetam Hill ran a job fair on 23 August, the Seetec team in the North West identified it as a good opportunity and got involved. The shopping centre ran the day in partnership with Job Centre Plus with the intention of getting local job seekers in front of employers.    

Seetec’s objective was to gain learner sign-ups for Traineeship and sector based work academy programmes as well as generating applications for apprenticeship vacancies. Of course with more than 20 large employers present including River Island, O2, Costa Coffee, B&Q, Poundworld, McDonalds and Game; there were also opportunities for employer engagement and networking with partners to further develop skills business.  

The event was well attended by employers, providers and job seekers. To maximise success on the day, the team worked with Marketing in advance of the event to ensure they had promotional materials, social media support and display tools including a promotional stand and “Instagram frame”.  

Outcomes from the day included: 

• 17 sign ups of potential learners for Traineeship Programme 
• 42 sign ups of potential leaners up for SBWA programme  
• 5 new referral partners
• 10+ employers engaged for Seetec Traineeship and SBWA programmes
• Confirmed two new Costa stores for four more placements
• Confirmed a pre-screen for 10 ex-trainees or WP customers with a large retailer at Manchester Fort
• Received a number of applications for apprenticeship vacancies 

Greg Bate, Operational Partnership Manager said: 

“The Manchester Fort jobs fair was a positive and successful day. The team represented Seetec well and helped promote our Skills business in the North West.  We were well structured and organised and were able to get the most out of the event. It is vital that we continue to attend these events, to grow Skills business. We have established some great relationships with JCP, other providers and employers as well as increasing our brand awareness”.  

The team have identified a number of other suitable events and will be attending the following:  
Wednesday 6th Sept  – Jobs Fair at Didsbury JCP
Wednesday 20th September – Careers Fair at the Factory Youth Zone
Wednesday 27th September – Manchester Academy Open Day