Lancashire Adult Learning to host Virtual Careers Fair

A Virtual Careers Fair is being held on Thursday 28 January to support Lancashire residents looking for employment, retraining or volunteering opportunities.

Hosted by Lancashire Adult Learning, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the free online event has been designed in response to the current climate and jobs market – and will take place through Zoom between 10.30am and 1pm.The fair will be packed with a wide range of support and resources to help those looking to boost their career prospects – including interactive workshops, live video links to employers for information on vacancies, a talk from inspirational award-winning speaker and author Richard Gerver, and much more.

Workshops will be focused on CV development, interview tips, changing career path, online applications and more, and attendees will also have the chance to gain insight into the skills and qualities required for working in specific sectors such as care, construction and digital.Health and wellbeing is another focus of the Virtual Careers Fair with sessions on building confidence and resilience, managing stress and anxiety, and finding positives in challenging times. Registration for the Virtual Careers Fair can be completed here: https://www.lal.ac.uk/upcoming-events/virtual-careers-fair/

Carol Yates, 52, from Preston, secured a volunteering role after attending employability courses with LAL. She said: “Enrolling with Lancashire Adult Learning has been hugely beneficial for me. I have been out of the workplace as a parent-carer for several years now and I lacked confidence in my ability to become employable again.

“I was pleased to find courses were being run online during the pandemic as this allowed me to work towards improving my employability and my ICT skills alongside my caring responsibilities. I look forward to the online Zoom lessons and the teaching and learning resources have been fantastic.

“Only a few months ago, I was unable to see how I could ever manage to get back to work again, I thought my situation was hopeless. Now I can see a way ahead. I have secured a volunteer role with the NHS and feel much more confident and hopeful for the future.”

Ryan Nash, 19, from Whitworth, gained employment off the back of support from LAL’s Employability Team on improving his interview skills. He said: “I’d like to thank Lancashire Adult Learning for all the help they gave me.

“Before the session, I had never used Zoom before, but the call was of top-notch standard. It was inviting, friendly, very informative and well structured.

“Following the session, I attended interview, and felt much more confident with it through the support I received. I got the job, and I now work at B&M.”

Andrew Parkin, assistant principal for Adult Learning, said: “Our expert team at Lancashire Adult Learning is well-accustomed to hosting successful careers fairs and employability events across the county, and I’m delighted that we are able to adapt that expertise for the virtual sphere, particularly in the current climate.

“Promoting positive health and wellbeing and supporting Lancashire’s adult learners back into employment, or towards the job market, are two of our key priorities, and these have never been more important than at present.

“We really have put together a fantastic line up, including renowned guest speaker Richard Gerver, and I’m looking forward to Lancashire residents joining us on the day as we provide a helping hand on their career path.”

Heather Murray, senior partnership leader for DWP Lancashire Jobcentres, said: “DWP are proud to be working with Lancashire Adult Learning in partnership to support the Virtual Careers Fair.

“This event is particularly important to showcase the varied employment opportunities across Lancashire supporting economic recovery. The event will highlight career preparation/upskilling and jobs in a variety of sectors to encourage take up of new emerging roles available.”

Adult learners in the Red Rose County are being encouraged to ‘take control’ and make a positive start to 2021 through a new offer of courses designed with the current climate in mind.

The new courses are largely free, flexible and available online, and are delivered by Nelson and Colne College Group – made up of Lancashire Adult Learning, Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College.

They include courses to boost health and wellbeing, options to retrain, classes to improve digital skills, and family learning opportunities.

Further information about all of the new range of courses for adults can be found on Lancashire Adult Learning’s website at www.lal.ac.uk.

Enrolment can also be completed on the website, or by calling 0333 003 1717.