Croydon: jobs fair gives ‘sign of hope’

Two hundred Croydon residents recently met local employers, trainers and careers advisors at a jobs fair put on by L&Q.

People could join in various workshops and find out about training and employment opportunities from training providers, recruitment agencies and employers. These included L&Q itself and some of our maintenance contractors.

Steve Douglas, Vice Chair of AmicusHorizon's board and former Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation, spoke about his experiences and successes. And one of Britain's top 100 entrepreneurial women of 2009, Claudine Reid, encouraged residents to find their strengths and sell themselves in the job market.

Many residents told staff that they came away with more hope for the future, inspired and energised to look for work and training. One attendee said: "I think starting my own business is the best way forward for me. It was great to get some advice on how to do this and a contact for help in the future."

Maud Gambier-Ellis at L&Q said: "It was great to see such a good pool of employers with their vacancies all under one roof for the benefit of our residents and others in Croydon: a real sign of hope in a time of recession."

L&Q worked with other housing associations and the Croydon BME Forum to deliver the Jobs+ event.