Several of the region’s largest employers are supporting the 2025 Carlisle Skills Fair.
The event, hosted by former MP John Stevenson, will take place on January 23 at Carlisle College.
The annual event has welcomed thousands of young people and job seekers over the years, helping them to understand their options and find out about the opportunities that local businesses and training providers have to offer now and in the future.
Mr Stevenson said: “It is important to demonstrate to young people that they don’t have to move away in order to gain the skills and training to be able to get a good job or a foot on the career ladder. There are so many opportunities for them right here on their doorstep.
“That’s why I am so pleased to have been able to establish Carlisle Skills Fair as an annual event. It’s fantastic that people in Carlisle and the wider Cumbria, can access local training and job opportunities under one roof.
“However, none of this would be possible without the continued support of local organisations, training providers and both the big and small companies we have in and around Carlisle.
“I am very grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this event a reality.”
The main sponsors of the 2024 skills fair are Persimmon, Pladis, Borderbrite and the Cumberland Building Society.
Anthony Mansfield, Persimmon’s managing director for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: “We’re delighted to once again be sponsoring this fantastic event.
“It’s a great way for young people to talk to employers like ourselves and learn more about the opportunities available to them.
“As a proud partner of Carlisle College, we’re really looking forward to meeting students and young people interested in the many different careers that construction and housebuilding has to offer.”
Mark Ebdon, factory general manager at pladis’ Carlisle bakery known for Carr’s and McVities brands, said: “As a major employer in Carlisle, we are delighted to be a primary sponsor of the 11th Annual Carlisle Skills Fair.
“Our Carr’s bakery is the oldest biscuit factory in the world, and we are continuing to invest in the site. Most recently investing in a new roof and sprinkler system.
“There are a wide variety of roles available with employers in Carlisle and so we’d love people to come along and learn about the opportunities on offer to help us protect our 195-year heritage in Carlisle.”
Amy Nevison, recruitment manager at Borderbrite, said: “Borderbrite Ltd is delighted to support and be involved with the skills fair. It’s a mutually beneficial opportunity for the company to connect with prospective employees and for job seekers to find out more about the many positions we have available – hopefully getting more local people into employment.”
Helen Anderson, people attraction co-ordinator from the Cumberland Building Society, said: “Being involved in the annual skills fair is something we’re really proud of.
“To think about how many people have attended these events over more than a decade and benefited from conversations, not just with us, but all the organisations involved is testament to the opportunities available in the region as well as the talent we have here. We’re excited to be there to be part of the conversations and opportunities that will come from attending again this year.
“Whether that’s being there for someone starting out, interested in in a career change or looking for a new challenge. We’re looking forward to it.”
Also supporting the event are Carlisle College, Gen2, Inspira, Jobcentre Plus, JTL Training, Lakes College, PHX Training, SP Training, and the University of Cumbria. Over 65 exhibitor places have already been taken.
