Great turnout at Larne Youth Opportunities Fair

The Larne Youth Opportunities Fair, which took place at the Northern Regional College facility on Pound Street last Thursday, aimed to assist unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 25 find employment and training opportunities.

The free event was organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, in partnership with Larne Borough Council and LEDCOM, and provided information on current vacancies, training opportunities, careers advice, job search skills and seminars on topics such as interview techniques. Several free seminars on interview skills and CV preparation were run at throughout the day.

The vast majority of those in attendance praised the event, with a survey finding that 90 per cent deemed it to be useful or very useful. Employers and training organisations also gave positive feedback, stating that they were able to identify several potential employee or trainees.

Some of the young people described the fair as “fantastic”, and others urged the organisers to hold similar events in the future.

Julie King, manager of Larne Jobs and Benefits Office said: “We were delighted with the response at the Youth Opportunities Fair and look forward to positive outcomes for local young people in the months ahead. We will be evaluating the event and feedback received to identify any other support that could be provided.”

Mayor of Larne, Councillor Gerardine Mulvenna added: “I was very encouraged to see the number of young people who attended and made the effort to find out about employment and training opportunities. During the rest of the Larne Youth Opportunities Programme over the next year Larne Borough Council, the Department for Employment and Learning, LEDCOM and other partners will be doing all we can to help tackle youth unemployment.

“I would like to express my thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to attend the fair. I am very encouraged to see everyone working together to help the young people of Larne.”

LEDCOM chief executive, Ken Nelson concluded: “The event was a great team effort by everyone involved. I wish to acknowledge in particular the support given by the Northern Regional College, Department for Employment and Learning, Business in the Community and all the employers and training organisations who attended. We hope many young people will find a job or training place as a result of the event.”