Ashington Hirst Welfare Opportunities Fair: A Gateway to Local Careers and Volunteering
Today, I had the pleasure of attending the Opportunities Fair at Ashington Hirst Welfare. This event brought together a diverse array of employers, training providers, and volunteer organisations, offering a wealth of opportunities for job seekers, students, and community-minded individuals in our area.
Employment Opportunities
The fair showcased a wide range of employment sectors, demonstrating the vibrant job market in our region:
- Northumbria Police promoted various career paths within their organisation.
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust offered exciting placements for young people (13+) in fields such as pharmacy, human resources, nursing, and digital/information services.
- Rainton Construction and MGL Group represented the construction industry, with the latter highlighting their award-winning apprenticeship programs.
- Home Instead is currently hiring care professionals, offering flexible working hours.
- The Direct Payments Team presented Personal Assistant roles for immediate start. Contact 01670 629090 or email directpayments@northumberland.gov.uk
Training and Skills Development
For those looking to enhance their skills or explore new career paths, several organisations offered valuable resources:
- Northern Learning Trust's Learning Hives promoted their employability support, functional skills training, and one-to-one mentoring.
- Winnovation Training showcased their two-week Health and Social Care courses, perfect for those considering a career in the care sector.
- Northumberland Skills provided information on careers in childcare, teaching assistant roles, and Early Years Apprenticeships.
- Open Doors offered support for unemployed individuals looking to enter the workforce.
Volunteering and Community Engagement
The fair also highlighted numerous volunteering opportunities for those wishing to give back to the community:
- Escape Family Support and Citizens Advice Northumberland are actively recruiting volunteers.
- Northumberland CVA presented various volunteering opportunities in the area.
- Carers Northumberland promoted their Working for Carers Project, supporting carers in the workplace.
- Full Circle Food Project showcased exciting volunteer opportunities in cooking and gardening, perfect for those interested in food sustainability and community nutrition.
Youth and Creative Opportunities
Young people and creative individuals weren't left out:
- Mortal Fools shared information about their Youth Theatre groups, creative school interventions, and their mission to amplify young voices in the North East.
- YMCA Northumberland promoted their Creative Monday Sessions for ages 13-18.
The Opportunities Fair at Ashington Hirst Welfare was a testament to the diverse and growing opportunities in our region. Whether you're a job seeker, a student planning your future, or someone looking to make a difference through volunteering, this event showcased that there's something for everyone in our community.
I encourage readers to explore these organisations further and take advantage of the opportunities they offer. Events like these are crucial in connecting local talent with meaningful work and volunteer roles, ultimately strengthening our community and local economy.
Upcoming Jobs Fair in Social Care
For those specifically interested in social care careers, there's another exciting opportunity on the horizon. Northumberland County Council is hosting a Jobs Fair in Social Care on Thursday, 19 September, from 4pm to 7pm at County Hall, Morpeth (NE61 2EF). This event offers a chance to explore various career opportunities in the social care sector.
