Hundreds flock to Lincolnshire online job fair

Around 60 exhibitors took part in the fair, which was hosted virtually on a new, purpose-built digital platform, where visitors could browse exhibitor stands and speak to potential employers and training providers.

Designed to bring together employers and jobseekers in one place, just like a physical jobs fair, the new platform - greaterlincsjobsfair.co.uk - was created by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and will host a monthly jobs fair over the next year.

Clare Hughes, Skills Manager at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “Despite the challenges people and businesses are currently facing, there are local employers who are recruiting right now.

“Getting together physically at a traditional jobs fair is not possible at the moment, so working with local job centres and other partners we have created a platform that provides a solution for local organisations to use.

“We’ve received really positive feedback about the website, and thanks to local developers TRS, who have made the concept a reality, we’ve laid a strong foundation for future job fairs.”

One job seeker who attended the fair was Emily Heathcote, who said: “The online jobs fair was really helpful - the site was informative and easy to navigate and I visited a range of stalls and spoke to several employers over the course of the event.

“The chat function and ability to request video calls were useful for engaging with employers they enabled me to establish connections that have already led to a development in my job search.”

Among the exhibitors was Elizabeth King from Boston College, who said: “Well done to the LEP for organising the first virtual jobs fair!

“It’s a great idea and I think with time and as word gets out, it will only become more and more popular.”

Leeann Horsfall, employment adviser at First College, said: “I think that the concept is excellent and it has massive potential,” while Ian Enright from Development Plus commented: “I thought the event worked very well and that it was really worthwhile, accessible and interesting.”

The next fair will take place on Wednesday December 16, from 10am to 1pm.

Exhibition stands are free and available to employers and supporting organisations across the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland area.

Registrations will open later this month and employers with vacancies from nearby areas - such as Hull, Newark and Peterborough - are also welcome to register.

If you have a question about being an exhibitor, you would like to get involved as a future speaker, or you wish to submit a video about careers in your sector, email [email protected].