More than 200 people turn up for town’s jobs fair

More than 200 people attended the Get Oldham Working Jobs Fair arranged in conjunction with Manchester Airport and Airport Academy.

Arrivals flooded into Metropolitan House as a mixture of unemployed and employed residents searched for new career opportunities at the UK’s third busiest airport.

All were given a chance throughout the day to discuss and apply for jobs available at the airport, which range from customer service roles to driving and security.
 
Residents also spoke with the Airport Academy team who undertake pre-employment training for employers. This training is designed for most roles such as check-in and boarding, and is a great first step to working in an airport.

Cllr Shoab Akhtar, cabinet member for employment and enterprise at Oldham Council, said: “It was great to see so many residents being proactive in searching for employment.

“Manchester Airport offers such a wide-range of job opportunities, and with thanks to our Get Oldham Working team for organising this jobs fair, I hope to see some of our residents working there in the near future.”

Adam Jupp, head of external affairs at Manchester Airport, said: “One of the biggest benefits of Manchester Airport’s ongoing growth is that it creates jobs and economic value for the region.
“We are committed to ensuring as many people as possible can access those employment opportunities, which is why events like Get Oldham Working are so important.

“It is also always great to showcase the work of our Airport Academy, which plays a key role in equipping people with the skills they need to find work at Manchester Airport.”

Gareth Burrow, head of adult employability, corporate development and professional programmes at Stockport College (Airport Academy’s training partner), said: “It was so good to see so many people keen to work at the airport from the Oldham area.

“I was extremely pleased to see so many individuals committed to working at the airport and already had the skills to start their application process.  

“I hope this event can lead to more events similar to this in partnership with MAG and the Airport Academy to promote real employability routes to change people’s lives.”

Since January 2016 Airport Academy have placed 439 individuals through pre-employment training courses and positive interventions, with more than 340 individuals taking up employment – a 77% overall conversion rate.
 
Transport for Greater Manchester was also at the event to inform residents of how they could potentially commute to and from the site, and to provide them with transport information, routes and timetables.