Mike Wood MP will host his seventh annual Jobs and Skills Fair on the 24 September, this year at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill.

The annual event, which the MP has organised every year since being first elected in 2015, will offer those looking for a new job, career or training opportunity the chance to meet face-to-face with a range of recruiters and training providers.

A wide range of employers from a variety of sectors will be present on the day, with names such as: Aldi, Iceland, Lloyds Bank, West Midlands Police, Bluebird Care, National Express, Canal & River Trust, Dudley Council, Forkers Civil Engineering and many more all offering jobs.

Leading local training providers will also be attending to advertise vacancies and answer questions about the different training opportunities they have available. Names include Dudley College, Halesowen College, City of Wolverhampton College, Sandwell College, The Apprenticeship Works and others. 

The event is free to attend and will be held in the large amphitheatre space outside Marks & Spencer on the Lower Mall.  There will be opportunities available for people of all ages and the event will run from 11am till 3pm. Mike said:

“After having to host last year’s event virtually due to the pandemic, I am so pleased that we’ve been able to work with Merry Hill to host this year’s event in person. Unemployment in our area was way down but has since increased again due to the events of the past 18 months – making this year’s Jobs & Skills Fair even more important.

"A wide range of employers will be present on the day, so I would encourage anyone who is considering a change in career to come along and find out what’s on offer.”

The event is being sponsored by Merry Hill and also supported by the local Department for Work & Pensions who will be on hand to offer information about the Kickstart Scheme for younger people. Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager at Merry Hill added:

“The Dudley South Jobs and Skills Fair provides invaluable training and employment opportunities for the local area, so we’re really proud to be able to sponsor and host the event.

“As a one of the largest platforms for employment in the region supporting over 8,000 jobs, we’re always looking for ways to further help the local community and encourage engagement with employers in the area.

“Whether you want to kick-off your career, learn more about various industries or embark on a different career path, we encourage everyone to come down to the centre and get a sense of the great opportunities on offer.”

For any queries about the event, people can contact Mike Wood’s office on 01384 913 123, or email mike.wood.mp@parliament.uk.