Job seekers, career changers and those looking to upskill are invited to get hands on and ‘try before they apply’ at the Tendring Jobs and Skills Fair next week.

The popular event returns to the Princes Theatre, Clacton Town Hall, on Thursday 25 September from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

With over 50 exhibitors, it’s the district’s largest employment and training event — offering free entry, no booking required, and a chance to explore real opportunities across a wide range of industries.

Organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the event is part of Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight — a celebration of local enterprise running from 22 September to 2 October.

Tendring Jobs and Skills Fair 2024. Image: TDC / Steve Brading

This year’s fair is packed with interactive experiences to help residents explore careers hands-on:

• Colchester Institute offers a thrilling HGV simulator experience.

• RWE Offshore Wind brings VR headsets, PPE and turbine models to showcase life working offshore at Galloper Wind Farm.

• Home Instead invites attendees to step into the shoes of an older person living with dementia or arthritis using simulation equipment.

• Rose Builders will be bringing two mock-up kitchen wall units for participants to disassemble and reassemble.

• University of Essex will showcase specialist facilities through immersive VR headsets.

• CK2 Care demonstrates hand hygiene with a UV machine and offers basic life support training.

• Lifehouse Spa provides relaxing hand and arm massages and nail demos.

• Athona Education hosts a fun Pictionary challenge to spark interest in education careers.

• ML Property Venture features an interactive slideshow on property careers and CV reviews by local estate agents.

• Penguin Random House UK brings their spinning wheel to highlight roles at their Frating distribution centre.

• RAF Recruitment will be on hand to discuss over 60 roles and apprenticeships, with starting salaries from £26,300.

• TDC’s Open Spaces Team offers volunteering opportunities and a hands-on challenge with strimmer tools.

• Signpost Tendring will help attendees create or update their CVs.

Employers attending include Essex and Suffolk Quality Care, Home Instead, CK2care, Athona, Penguin Random House UK, ML Property Venture, RAF Recruitment, the University of Essex, Colchester Institute, and many more.

Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Deputy Leader, and portfolio for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The Tendring Jobs and Skills Fair is all about opening doors — whether you’re looking for your first job, a fresh start, or a chance to develop new skills.

“What makes this event truly special is its interactive approach. You can try your hand at real tasks, explore equipment, and get a feel for different roles before you apply.

“Creating opportunities and raising aspirations for our residents runs through everything we do at Tendring District Council – and this event is a shining example of that commitment.”

To find out more about the wider Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight, including free events for entrepreneurs and local businesses, visit www.tendring4growth.com.

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