A Careers Fair to help long-term unemployed residents in South Tyneside access entry-level jobs in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, is to take place at South Shields Town Hall.
It is part of a longer-term initiative to enable local residents back to work and is being held on Tuesday 25th March from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers, hear about recruitment plans and register interest in jobs. CV writing and interview preparation guidance will also be available.
Employers attending the Fair and offering advice and potential job opportunities include Nissan, Caterpillar, Vantec Europe, Marelli, Unipres UK, Highly Marelli UK, Adient Seating, Jatco, Mi-Kingand AESC UK.
It is being organised by The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), in partnership with Quartz Future Consulting.
Over 20% of local households are workless and around 14% of 17-year-olds in South Tyneside are NEET. A quarter of the working-age population is economically inactive, with 40% attributed to long-term health conditions, the highest level of core or work-limiting disability in the North East (34%) and the lowest proportion of disabled people in employment (39%) – increasingly impacting the future workforce.
The Fair is part of the NEAA’s wider campaign, Inclusivity Pilot in Advanced Manufacturing, South Tyneside (IPAM-ST), supported by South Tyneside’s UKSPF programme, to help unemployed South Tyneside residents secure entry-level roles in automotive, while supporting others to access vocational skills pathways in advanced manufacturing. With significant worker shortages across the region, the programme is designed to create a sustainable, diverse talent pool for local employers.
It will create opportunities for a diverse range of local residents, including women and those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Participants will receive practical resources, confidence-building support and clear pathways into employment. The initiative focuses on overcoming barriers such as low self-esteem and a lack of work experience, empowering individuals to see their potential and take the next step into the workforce, as well as showcasing career pathways and success.
The NEAA supports the growth of the automotive sector in the North East by connecting employers, promoting skills development and fostering innovation in the automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.
Paul Butler, CEO of NEAA, said: “The Careers Fair will be a relaxed and informal environment for people to meet with employers. We are fully aware that those who have been long term unemployed face a variety of barriers to employment, support through IPAM will help individuals tackle these barriers. The aim of the Careers Fair is to reassure them that there is a definite role for them within the workforce and that local employers are fully aware that many people need support, encouragement and guidance when they re-enter the jobs market – and they are more than prepared to offer exactly that.
“We are committed to helping South Tyneside residents connect with employers, access training and develop a long-term career in the region’s growing automotive and advanced manufacturing industries and would encourage as many people as possible to assess what is on offer at the Careers Fair.”
To register for the Careers Fair visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/advanced-manufacturing-careers-fair-tickets-1255652062119?aff=oddtdtcreator