Henry Smith MP has thanked organisations who took part in the Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair, at the Civic Hall on Friday, 4th March.

Henry said;

“I was pleased to host the Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair on Friday. I’m grateful to everyone looking for training or employment positions who came along, and I also want to thank those who took the time to represent their companies and organisations, to discuss the opportunities they had to offer.

“It’s because of events such as this that the number of people out of work in Crawley has gone down by more than 1,500 since 2010. The number of young people out of work has also fallen by over 500.

“This year’s event had more of a focus on apprenticeships. Recent figures show there have been more than 4,000 apprenticeship starts here in Crawley since 2010, but I know there’s still more to be done.

“It was great to see students from Crawley schools and colleges at the Fair. There were a range of employers and training providers present, and I hope that both sides found it an engaging and productive day.

“Although Crawley unemployment has fallen to 1.6 per cent since the last Fair I hosted in September 2014, having been unemployed myself in the past I know this is of little consolation when looking for work. This is why I’m pleased to support the Parliamentary 100 in 100; an initiative led by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Apprentices to support those looking for opportunities.”

Michelle Jones, Training Manager at RBW Consulting, commented;

“As a business RBW Consulting are keen to support the local employment market and therefore we offer regular recruitment opportunities for those considering a career within the recruitment Industry.

“It was great to be part of the Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair and to see so many local businesses showing their support, as well as the number of local schools and colleges in attendance supporting their students and offering guidance as to what career options may be available for them.”

Jack Hardie, from Protrain Solutions, added;

“We made some excellent connections and met some really excellent people that we are hoping to place.”

Henry continued;

“I’m grateful for the support of the event’s sponsors; B&CE The People’s Pension, Virgin Atlantic, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, Westminster Homecare and CGG.

“Thanks as well to Nestle who generously donated coffee and Kit Kats!”

Picture of Henry and RBW Consulting courtesy of RBW Consulting