GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities

The recent Jobs Fairs in Uxbridge and Kingston were a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to meet employers, make new connections, and explore job options. GRow’s Liz and Iryna attended the Kingston Jobs Fair and Sheeja attended the Uxbridge College Jobs Fair at Hayes Campus alongside members of the GRoW community, who were there to connect with potential employers and find out what opportunities there are in the local and national jobs market.

Job fairs provide an excellent platform for networking, learning about different industries, and discovering job openings that may not be widely advertised. For many job seekers, the chance to speak directly with recruiters and hiring managers helps to break down barriers to employment and gives them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for.

Sheeja shared her thoughts on the experience, highlighting the positive impact of attending in person. “It’s a great place to be, you can meet so many employers all at once and learn about support organisations, volunteering opportunities, and other roles that might not be immediately obvious.”

She also emphasised the variety of opportunities available. “Even if you see a construction company hiring, they may also have admin jobs. So it’s always good to talk to people and see if they have any other opportunities.”

For members of the GRoW community, events like this can boost confidence and motivation. Many participants are returning to work after a break or looking to change careers, and speaking with employers in a supportive environment can make a big difference. Sheeja said “We met some women who hadn’t been to a jobs fair before, and they found it really useful. They were handing over their CVs, filling in forms, and getting immediate feedback, which was really valuable.”

This year’s fair at Uxbridge College – Hayes Campus, saw a significant number of attendees, with more mothers in attendance compared to previous years. “Compared to last time, I think we had more people coming in, and we saw more mothers looking for work, which was great. There were police, the Navy, and colleges there too, so it wasn’t just local employers, but a mix of different organisations.”

Beyond the job opportunities, the fair also provided information on training programmes, career support services, and apprenticeships, providing a better understanding of the next steps people can take in their journey to employment.

If you hear about a job fair in your local area, we highly recommend attending. Sheeja said “If you hear about a job fair in your local area, you really should go because they are a great opportunity to network, connect with new people, and explore different career options.”