More than 40 employers will be at a job fair in Barrow.

The annual Jobs and Skills Fair will occur at Forum 28 on Monday, October 7, between 9am and 6pm.

The event has been organised by Inspira, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Cumbria Careers Hub, and is sponsored by Spirit Energy, MSH Healthcare, Brilliant Barrow, and the Holiday Inn, Barrow.

The fair is designed to help unemployed adults who are eager to re-enter the workforce, individuals contemplating a career change, and young people in the Furness area who are exploring their future career paths.

This year, more than 40 exhibitors will be present, including major local employers such as Spirit Energy, Siemens, Sellafield Ltd, Westmorland and Furness Council, Lloyd Motor Group, and Cumbria Constabulary.

Further educational providers like Furness and Kendal College, and the University of Cumbria will also be in attendance.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce will be available for discussions with individuals interested in pursuing self-employment.

Julia Winder, Inspira's area operations manager, said: "This event presents a valuable chance for young people and those currently unemployed to connect with employers or organisations that support their future careers.

"This proactive approach is designed to help attendees discover career possibilities and, in doing so, addresses the broader challenges of skills shortages and youth unemployment in the area."

Judith Wilkinson, partnership manager, DWP, said: "Working in partnership with Inspira, DWP is delighted to support the Barrow Jobs and Skills Fair taking place in The Forum on October 7, 2024.

"This is a fantastic example of local businesses and training providers coming together with the local community, to showcase the training and employment offers available to start, progress or renew someone’s career."

Paul Smeaton, managing director, of MSH Healthcare, said: "We’re thrilled to be returning this year as a sponsor of the Barrow Jobs and Skills Fair - it gives us a chance to really showcase our organisation and the opportunities we have for newer workers out there.

"Our field can sometimes seem an intimidating industry to get into, and fairs like this give us the chance to feature our entry-level positions and highlight our training programme as well as paths for growth for those who want to make a long-term career in healthcare."

Di Rutter, organisational development lead, of Spirit Energy, said: "We’re pleased to support this important event and to work with Inspira and the other organisations.

"As one of the area’s largest employers, we’re proud of our heritage here and are dedicated to helping support employment opportunities for all."

Employers, further education or apprenticeship providers are invited to have a free stand.

For more information, interested parties can contact the marketing team at Inspira.