Photo - Alan Mak with apprentices from Barratt Homes who will be exhibiting at the Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair
Havant MP Alan Mak is launching the area’s first ever MP Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair in a bid to boost the economy and help locals start the new year with a job, apprenticeship or a career change.
Portsmouth News Editor Mark Waldron is backing the event as an official media partner, and major local property business Fasset, which operates Langstone Technology Park, are the headline sponsor.
Mak said Havant’s unemployment was low and falling (a fall of over 50% between May 2010 and May 2015) but there was no room for complacency as he wanted everyone to share in the area’s economic success. Mak is working with Havant Job Centre Plus, who are also backing the event.
The Fair takes place on Friday 19 February at Warblington School, central Havant between 10AM-4PM. Entry and parking are free all day, and no prior registration is needed.
Major local and national employers will showcase the jobs and apprenticeships they have on offer, as well as employers from the public sector and charities. The National Careers Service will also be on hand with CV and careers advice. A raft of local businesses have already signed up, including property management business Fasset, which operates Langstone Technology Park; Greggs, the well-known bakery chain; major local housebuilder Barratt Homes, and Global Radio, a media business that operates local radio stations including Heart Hampshire.
The Havant MP has received heavyweight backing from national and local business leaders. Charlie Mullins OBE, founder of Pimlico Plumbers and reputedly Britain’s first millionaire plumber will open the Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, with a talk about his inspirational journey from apprentice who left school aged 14 with no qualifications to become one of Britain’s most acclaimed business leaders. Jane Hamilton, careers editor at the Sun newspaper, who founded the Sun’s careers roadshow Sunemployment, will give a talk during the afternoon about her work helping people get off benefits and into work.
Alan Mak MP said, “A strong local economy with more jobs and rising living standards is my top priority locally. Unemployment is very low in Havant, but we must never be complacent. The Jobs and Apprenticeships fair I’m organising is a practical way I can help residents get a job, build a career and secure a better future for themselves.”
Mak added, “We’re delighted to have major local businesses like Fasset on board, a strong partnership with Havant Job Centre and the News, and inspirational business leaders like Charlie Mullins coming on the day. It’s going to be a big event with lots of jobs, apprenticeships and advice on offer. I invite residents of all ages to come on the day!”
Gary Medlow, Managing Director of Fasset said, “Alan’s Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair will play a big role in boosting the local economy and helping residents find work. We’re proud to be part of it as major sponsors. As socially responsible businesses, companies like mine and all those on Langstone Technology Park are committed to hiring and developing local talent, from apprentices to experienced workers. We’re looking forward to a busy and exciting day on 12 February.”
Charlie Mullins OBE said, “Apprenticeships give people skills for life and the hope of a better future. I’m delighted to support Alan’s Havant Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, which promises to be a great event bringing together employers and those looking to build new careers or find a new challenge.”
Mullins added, “As a former apprentice myself, I know how important it is to get on the first rung of the employment ladder, and I look forward to sharing my experiences on the day. Alan’s event is a great example of an MP taking practical action to help his residents and community.”