ILKLEY MP Kris Hopkins is to host a Jobs Fair in Keighley Central Hall on Friday, February 20, from 10am to 3pm.

More than 30 local employers have signed up for the event which will showcase jobs and apprenticeship schemes to jobseekers of all ages, individuals seeking a change of career and students preparing to enter training or employment.

Mr Hopkins said that while he was pleased unemployment in Keighley and Ilkley was continuing to fall, he wished to do all he could to ensure that all available employment and training opportunities were being taken.

He said: “534 more people in Keighley and Ilkley are in work than this time last year and youth unemployment has fallen by a third.

“Since 2010, more than 3,100 young people in Keighley and Ilkley have also started an apprenticeship, giving them the chance to earn a salary and gain a qualification while picking up incredibly useful workplace skills and experience.

“But with many others neither in work nor training and with significant numbers of young people due to leave school or college later in the year, I want to ensure that all available opportunities are being taken up.

“The jobs fair will give local employers and jobseekers the chance to showcase themselves for mutual benefit.

“Current vacancies will be advertised on the day, alongside training programmes and apprenticeship schemes.

“Experts will be on hand to help jobseekers increase their chances of employment including, for example, offering tips on CV writing and interview techniques.

“There will also be the opportunity for attendees to hear directly from companies on what they look for in potential employees.

“I believe it will prove to be an extremely useful venture and hope it will be very well attended.”

For further information on the Keighley jobs fair you can visit the website at jobsfairkeighley.co.uk.