A FAIR will be just the job to bring vacancies and people together in Weymouth today - Wednesday, May 22.

The annual Dorset Echo Jobs Fair is being held at the Hotel Rembrandt from 10am to 5pm with employers and workshops.

The aim is to bring employers and jobhunters together but also offer and advice and information to help gain work.

This year’s fair includes free workshops with Best Training covering such areas as CVs and job interviews.

Mark Blunden, pictured below, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: “The jobs fair is a chance for people to get a broad perspective of the job opportunities out there.

“It is very much a one-stop shop with lots of advice and the chance for people to speak to someone face to face.

“It gives people the chance to make a good impression of themselves in person rather than through an application or a CV.”

Mr Blunden added that the previous Dorset Echo Jobs Fair was very successful and he was sure local businesses would support this year’s.

More major employers and organisations are already signed up to the event but there is still time for more to register for a stand.

Entry to the jobs fair is free and there are free workshops for job seekers with Best Training.

The workshops will include the best way to write a CV and a focus on interview skills.

Employers with stands booked so far include Sainsbury’s, Synergy Housing, Weymouth College, Kingston Maurward College, the Royal Air Force and Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust.

Others on hand will include Job Centre Plus, Avon Cosmetics, Yeovil College, Essential Nursing and Care Services Ltd, Wessex Autistic Society, Best Training, Agincare Group Ltd, St Jude's Care, Mitie Property Services and Nurse Plus (UK) Ltd as well as the Dorset Echo itself.

David McArthur, Dorset and New Forest account manager for Job Centre Plus, has urged the area’s jobhunters and employers to get involved.

He said: “The Dorset Echo Jobs Fair is an excellent way for jobseekers to meet local employers and find out more about job opportunities available.

“Job Centre Plus advisors will be there to talk about the wide range of support available such as through the Youth Contract, work experience, the Wage Incentive, apprenticeships and more services coming soon.”

Mr McArthur said that Weymouth and Portland has been on the up since the Olympics.

He added: “Young people are the lifeblood of the community. With these sort of events we can ensure that Weymouth has a strong future.”

Debbie Hellaby, Dorset Echo promotions manager, added: “Last year’s fair was a great success and we are confident that employers will support the event.

“For job seekers it is a great opportunity to meet employers face to face, present a CV and chat about what they can offer.

“Employers can promote their company and the vacancies that they have, find out about candidates’ skills, then arrange an interview for a future date.”

n james.tourgout@|dorsetecho.co.uk