400 jobs up for grabs at Gosport employment fair

About 50 exhibitors offering full-time and part-time jobs, apprenticeships and volunteer positions were at the Gosport Business and Employment Fair.

Since starting five years ago the event, run by Gosport Borough Council, has grown and yesterday about 400 jobs were available for visitors.

Exhibitor Anglesey Hotel Bezani Catering has been attending the fair since it started. Kevin Meacham said: ‘I think this is a good event for the town.

‘It is great to see so many people looking at trying something new. Last year was really good for us and this year we are offering part-time jobs.

‘The fair is good for networking and meeting other companies and giving people opportunities.’

Josh King was looking at possible apprenticeships. The 18-year-old went along to the fair at Gosport Leisure Centre with his mum June.

He said: ‘It has been good to look at all the different stalls which have had a lot of information. I also liked the people who help with writing a CV. They were really useful.’

As well as firms from around Gosport and surrounding areas, the fair also had exhibitors who help people with getting into work.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, who also attended, said she was happy with the variety on offer.

‘I am really pleased that so many different businesses are here with jobs to offer,’ she said.

‘There are some amazing organisations here in lots of different sectors.’

One of Gosport’s biggest employers, Huhtamaki, sponsored the event and general manager Dez Timmis added: ‘The fair is a fantastic initiative. As a major local employer we’re always keen to support the community and we’ve really enjoyed meeting people who want to review their career options.’

Cllr Stephen Philpott, chairman of the economic development board at the council, said he was happy to see the fair go from strength to strength offering more jobs and opportunities for people in the town.