MORE than a thousand people flocked to one of the biggest employment exhibitions North Wales has ever seen.

The third annual Conwy Job Expo brought together over 1,110 attendees with up to 90 leading organisations at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub (part of Conwy County Council) in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support, the popular Expo exceeded all expectations, shining a light on career opportunities and securing permanent and temporary positions for many candidates.

Among those in attendance were Abergele’s Manorafon Farm Park, North Wales Police, Llandudno Pier, British Army Careers Centre, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Zip World, Dwr Cymru, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Evadx Ltd, Conwy County Council, the RAF, and many more.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “We were expecting an increase in numbers on previous years given the current economic climate and demand for workers in this region, but to have well over a thousand in attendance was incredible.

“The feedback we’ve had has been positive, particularly as a lot of the companies had vacancies and were able to pre-interview candidates, which was great from both sides.

“The workshops we held at Jobcentre Plus in advance of the Expo helped job seekers prepare for this important event with top tips on how to stand out to exhibitors and increase their chances of success in finding their dream job.

“This proved invaluable, with many also taking up the follow up one-to-one support with CV and job applications, so that’s something we will look to do again in the future.

“Thanks so much to everyone who came along on the day, notably the exhibitors who showcased the amazing careers available right on our doorstep.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “What makes Conwy Job Expo so special is the very real opportunities that are out there, and the platform prospective candidates had to discover so many different sectors, and discuss with top employers whether it’s a career for them.

“The results spoke for themselves, both in the number of people who attended, and the successful links built between recruiters, educators, and private and public sector organisations.

“Once again, thanks so much to everyone who came along to this year’s event, it was a fantastic day.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

MORE than 70 organisations from across Wales and the North West will join forces to showcase employment opportunities at a returning careers event.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the popular Conwy Job Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Ahead of the big day, which is expected to attract more than 500 people of all ages, there will be a live workshop with mentors and trainers at Jobcentre Plus in the town’s Bayview Shopping Centre.

To be held this coming Tuesday (February 6) from 12.30pm-1.30pm, it will include tips and advice on a wide range of subjects from CV skills to interview techniques and guidance on applying for your dream role. There will also be additional live workshops held between now and the event.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “These pre-Expo sessions will give anyone wanting to attend the chance to sharpen their skills before meeting the prospective employers in attendance.

“They represent many different industries, and some will even be conducting interviews and meeting with possible candidates on the day so being fully prepared can only be of benefit from all sides.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “Once again we have some of the top public and private sector organisations in the region – and beyond – exhibiting at what has become the number one jobs and careers fair in North Wales.

“As well as looking for potential hires they will be showcasing what they do, and why people should work for them, so it’s going to be a very useful event for everyone in attendance.

“As was the case last year, we hope it brings people together and shows what amazing careers are out there and how there is demand in multiple sectors for new workers.”

Among the businesses, charities, social enterprises, and public bodies exhibiting will be the British Army Careers Centre, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Alpine Travel, Supertemps, Maximus UK, Zip World, Prime Cymru, North Wales Police, GYG Karting, Excell Supply, ALG Security, The Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, EvadX, Airbus, the RAF, St Kentigern Hospice and many more.

For more information or to book attendance at one of the live workshops, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 575578.

THE leading employment and training event in North Wales is back and bigger than ever before.

Businesses, skills organisations, educators, charities, and individuals wanting to exhibit at this year’s Conwy Job Expo are urged to do so fast.

The free exhibition will again be held at Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay and following the success of last Spring – when up to 500 school and college students were in attendance – it has been opened-up to people of all ages.

In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, hopes to see even more organisations at the venue than in 2023, when more than 80 signed up.

“We have had a very positive response so far and spaces are filling fast,” she said.

“As well as pupils from schools across the region – many of whom are still undecided on their future career – this will be an opportunity for people in jobs who are looking for a new direction, or anyone seeking employment, to explore what opportunities are out there in multiple industries.”

‘The Barn’ at Eirias Events Centre will be divided into sections for exhibitors, education and training and demonstrations.

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “The Expo is aimed at anyone wanting a fresh start, or looking to take the next step in their education or working life.

“This event will bring some of the region’s top organisations and businesses under one roof – as well as representatives from the public sector – and provide them with a platform to attract their employees of the future.

“It’s also a chance for networking, to conduct initial interviews, and to demonstrate what apprenticeships, work placement and voluntary roles are out there on the market.”

Among the employers taking space at the last exhibition in 2023 were Adra, the WRU, Supertemps, Conwy Mind, Becoming the Great, Parkdean Resorts, Akari Care, ALG Security, Michelle Salon, The Army, Airbus, Zip World, North Wales Police, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

More than 80% of those surveyed lauded the programme of activities and organisation on the day, describing it as “excellent”, “a great opportunity to speak to young people”, “really useful” and “one of the best career events we have attended in a long while”.

For businesses/organisations interested in exhibiting, register at employers@conwy.gov.uk or contact Alice on 07548 845679 or Clare on 07892 709837. The deadline for applications is February 12.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

THE inspiration behind a life-changing project helping socially isolated people into work has been nominated for a top award.

Mel Davis, an Employability Mentor with Conwy Employment Hub, is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year Management category of Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards.

With no previous academic qualifications to her name, the Old Colwyn mum-of-four joined the Hub six years ago and was encouraged to return to learning for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and to help lay the foundations for her future career.

Mel went on to achieve a string of qualifications, including Diplomas Levels 3, 5 and 7 in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring.

She also secured a Level 4 Diploma in Project Management and did so having only recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, working her day job and creating the hugely successful Confidently You pre-employability scheme, which more than doubled its initial commitment to help 30 people across the county.

She is “delighted” to be nominated for the title but insists the acclaim will be shared with her colleagues and those who took part in the project.

“It was a shock and surprise to hear that I had been chosen, so I’m of course delighted given I never had any traditional qualifications before joining Conwy Employment Hub,” she said.

“That helped build my own confidence and led to us launching Confidently You, which has supported so many people into the position of applying for and securing jobs.

“For those who were socially isolated, especially after the pandemic, it was a chance for them to meet new people, learn and develop social skills and see what opportunities were out there for them.

“We are so pleased with the results as having targeted 30 people there were in fact more than 60 who engaged with the project, many of whom are now in work and loving life, so it’s been incredibly heart-warming to be a part of that.”

Backed by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, Confidently You brought people together for more than 113 indoor and outdoor group activity sessions, ranging from bushcraft to paddle boarding, e-biking, caving, arts and crafts, and much more.

The results to this point saw 25 of them gain a qualification and 13 find employment while having a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of all participants.

“For so many of them to now be in jobs, and jobs they love, is amazing, and a big part of the success,” said Mel.

“But for some just getting out of the house having been so socially and economically inactive for so long was a fantastic outcome and so courageous – hopefully the first step on their way to finding work.

“For all this to be recognised with a nomination from Grwp Llandrillo Menai is really heartening, and I thank them for the support they’ve shown me throughout my learning journey.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, added: “We are so proud of Mel, she is a truly inspirational mentor and fully deserving of this nomination.

“She is dedicated to helping others and creative in developing training programmes such as this, which have had a major impact across Conwy county – we wish her luck at the awards.”

To vote for Mel, visit www.awards.gllm.ac.uk/2024/management.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.

CONWY Employment Hub secured up to £300,000 to deliver vital jobs and education training academies across the county for the next 12 months.

The Pathways to Employment project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered and managed on a regional basis.

Together they will be targeting industries with a labour shortage locally, including Energy and Environment, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative and Digital, Tourism and Hospitality, Health, and Food and Farming.

Conwy Employment Hub’s grant was for £292,510 and in past weeks training has begun, led by key organisations in each sector.

Among those to enrol on a course was Haydn Foulkes, who attended sessions with Go North Wales in Colwyn Bay, at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy and the Hilton Hotel, Dolgarrog, led by North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones.

Haydn has since gone on to secure a role in the hospitality arena.

“We learned a lot about tourism and hospitality in North Wales through this friendly programme, which also provided us with a training pack and exercises to hone our thoughts, ideas, and goals about this as a future career,” he said.

“I found it very useful, not only did I learn a great deal about tourism and hospitality but also about my approach to work.

“Since then, I have obtained new employment, and whilst it’s not as a tour guide – which I had set my sights upon during the course – it is still in the hospitality field, in catering.

“I thoroughly enjoy it and had I not been on the course I might not have considered going into this as a job.”

Jim added: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Conwy Employment Hub at the Go North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Academy.

“Partnering with them has proven to be invaluable as they refer us clients who have been thoroughly vetted and possess a genuine enthusiasm for getting involved in our industry.

“This has benefited us greatly, as we can now seamlessly guide these individuals through training towards job opportunities that align with their aspirations.

“Together, we are fostering a strong connection between potential employees and employers, making the process of finding suitable positions more efficient and rewarding.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said the funding will enable them to support even more people into work and education over the coming year.

“In addition to providing job specific training, all courses will focus on increasing confidence, resilience, wellbeing, team building and employability skills,” said Libby.

“They will also include the completion of CVs/application forms, interview skills, sector specific accredited qualifications and basic IT skills, with an introduction to each sector by an employer or industry expert.

“Attendees will generally be people that are work-ready or close to being work-ready, including those in seasonal roles or on zero-hour contracts who will benefit from more secure employment, and efforts are being made to include people from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds.

“We want to open-up these unique opportunities to as many people as possible, and that includes employers in Conwy so desperate for committed, skilled workers.

“In turn that will have a knock-on effect for communities and the local economy, which is our top priority.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.

THE team behind a transformative jobs and education programme are encouraging businesses to attend a free careers exhibition for 16 to 24 year olds.

The Conwy Careers Fair will be held at Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay on Thursday March 23 from 11am to 4pm.

Conwy Employment Hub has already signed-up leading names from across the region and is calling on more to help ease the nationwide recruitment crisis in multiple sectors.

The Hub – which oversees Communities for Work Plus – organised the event in partnership with Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support team, having secured funding from the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee.

A new Young People’s Hub has also been launched as stakeholders sharpen their focus on uniting industry to provide more opportunities and help support 16 to 24 year olds into employment and/or training to develop lifelong skills.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Service, said: “Following the success of last year’s Expo we are delighted to be able to bring businesses, educators, and organisations from a wide variety of arenas together to showcase their organisations and discuss future careers and apprenticeships with young people in the area.

“We will have a mixture of stands, interactive displays and activities designed to bring young people and employers under one roof, so they can engage and move forward together.

“This is a free event so it’s also a cost-effective platform for recruitment, while demonstrating how the private and public sector in North Wales are working in tandem to help fill the many job roles that are out there.”

The Barn at Eirias Events Centre will be divided into sections for exhibitors, talks and workshops, and this year will include an inflatable assault course and iBox games bus.

Among those to have already registered are Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and North Wales Training.

Sioned Williams, Community and Social Impact Manager at Creating Enterprise, said this is a golden opportunity that employers, schools, colleges and universities should capitalise on.

“We are really excited to be a part of the planning team and are focused on promoting the day to as many young people in our communities as possible, as well as the opportunities we have at Creating Enterprise and Cartrefi Conwy,” she said.

“We are so lucky to live in an area where so many employers are supportive of our projects and initiatives – it’s amazing to be able to pair the young people and opportunities.”

Peter Cadmore, a Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Careers Wales, added: “We’re thrilled to be attending the Conwy Careers Fair again this year.

“Events such as these are a fantastic way of engaging with young people on different careers and local opportunities.

“We will be there to talk to young people about their options and provide guidance on potential next steps.”

Sarah Blackshaw, DWP Employer Partnership Manager for Conwy, believes this is a forum all sectors should attend to help boost the economy and employment in North Wales, and said: “We are looking forward to the event, which will give young people the opportunity to speak with local employers and hear about the opportunities available.”

Amanda Ballance, Business Services Manager for Business, Tourism and Regeneration at Conwy County Council, added: “We believe this is a great platform for our businesses to engage with young people who are considering their career path or looking for employment, training, or apprenticeship opportunities.

“The event will not only promote the opportunities currently on offer but also highlight the wide range of roles and careers many of our key sectors can provide.”

Companies and organisations looking to register for a free place can email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 577202.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.