A JOBS and skills fair run by the Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP has been branded a success after hundreds of jobseekers flocked to the event.

Organised by James Morris and Jobcentre Plus, the event – at the Lifecentral Centre in Halesowen – was the tenth of its kind the MP has organised since 2010.

The fair saw 35 organisations showcasing jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, ranging from advanced engineering and social care to graphic design and construction to more than 600 visitors.

National companies including National Express, and Barclays were joined by well-known local employers, including Hadley Group, The Sun Inn at Romsley and Dudley Group NHS Trust.

There was also careers advice available from the Apprenticeship Works and Halesowen College, as well as organisations offering basic skills training and entry-level qualifications to help people into work.

Mr Morris said: “Even though local unemployment continues to fall, we still need to do everything possible to help people in Halesowen and Rowley Regis to find work and to gain the skills and qualifications they need to build careers.

“These jobs fairs are a useful way of bringing local people who are looking for work or training face-to-face with businesses and training providers who have opportunities on offer.

“I spoke to all of the companies and know how impressed they were with the quality of the people at the jobs and skills fair, and that many are already planning to interview jobseekers they met at the event.”