bumper crowd attends housing association’s job fair

More than 250 people attended a job fair hosted by believe housing.  

The housing association invited customers and jobseekers from County Durham to meet with ten employers and seven support services at the drop-in event, held at Peterlee Methodist Church on Wednesday, 25 June. 

The Employability Team from believe housing was also on hand to offer advice and help people take the first step towards a new job, skills, and training.  

Contractors Orbis and RE:GEN Group, East Durham College, and various catering and care companies were among the employers who shared their job and training opportunities. 

Claire Maddison, Employability Performance Team Leader at believe housing, said: “The job fair was a tremendous success, with 268 attendees eager to find work.  

“Our Employability Team consistently transforms lives by helping customers secure better jobs or start their work journey through volunteering and training.  

“By expanding our service to the wider community through events like this, we can help more people.  

“We appreciate the support of local employers and support services who participated; their guidance and opportunities made many people feel comfortable and positive about their future.” 

Mam Danielle, who took two teenage boys along to the event, said: “One is looking for a new job, and fancies brickwork, and the other is hoping to start work, maybe something like a call centre. 

“It isn’t easy for everyone to find work or ask for help but having a few different businesses and services together at this event was handy, and I’m hoping it leads to something for them.” 

Cory, 28, said: “I’d always worked until recently and am trying to find a way back into work. “I’m working with the Jobcentre and hope to have something lined up, but it is good to know what else is out there and that support is available.” 

And care workers Vimbai and Rutendo, whose current employment is not secure, said they received useful advice at the event. 

For more information about believe housing’s employability service, latest vacancies, and to sign up for its new jobs bulletin, visit www.believehousing.co.uk/employability-and-learning.