More than 150 job seekers attended Newbury MP Lee Dillon’s September Job Fair for local employment opportunities and skills development across West Berkshire.
Over 150 job seekers flocked to Newbury MP Lee Dillon’s September Job Fair, aiming to explore local employment and skills development in West Berkshire.
The event featured a variety of employers from sectors like retail, transport, construction, healthcare, and education, all eager to recruit local talent. Notable participants included Lidl, Thames Water, Newbury College, GWR, Priors Court, Poseidon Care, Get Active, West Berkshire Council, and Harrods Warehouse.
Mr Dillon expressed his excitement, stating, “It was fantastic to see so many people come through the doors – both employers looking to invest in our community and residents eager to find work, change careers or gain new skills.” He emphasised the importance of local businesses, saying, “Connecting them directly with job seekers helps strengthen our whole community.”
A key focus at the fair was staff recruitment and retention, especially in social care, construction, and hospitality. Many employers highlighted the need for training, apprenticeships, and removing barriers to employment for those with caregiving duties or returning to work.
Mr Dillon noted, “I heard about the challenges facing key industries, from better training support to ensuring caring roles are valued and properly paid. I’ll be taking these messages back to Westminster to ensure no one is left behind.”
The Job Fair is part of Mr Dillon’s broader initiative to enhance career opportunities locally, increase access to training and apprenticeships, and ensure Newbury and West Berkshire remain a fantastic place to live and work.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
