Another resounding success for the
Enfield Island Village Community Centre. Over 200 attendees created an
overwhelming buzz on Friday 20th September as businesses and locals
looking for work came together.
A natural progression from the weekly
Job Club held on Wednesdays the Job Fair was organised to provide opportunities
for the ‘next step’. With sixteen Companies offering a diverse range of
opportunities and advice prospective candidates of all ages gathered to
investigate, be inspired and network.
There were Franchise opportunities
from Tiens UK, Utilities Warehouse and Amway.
Immediate advice and support from Job
Centre Plus and DWP.
A volunteer opportunity and a chance
to extend your network with Time Bank.
Other attendees were System Training the
included a Fork Lift truck driving course worth £500 including support to find
a new role.
Enterprise Enfield offered advice and
courses; if your business was struggling or you needed help to start up your
own business. One of their success stories was a candidate that got £60,000
from Dragon’s Den.
Jays Homecare offered free training,
gaining a qualification that would lead to much needed roles looking after
people in their homes. 5E Ltd helping people find sustainable employment,
offering advice on loans for 24+ candidates and advice on your weaker areas. SmartTraining offered advice on courses to leap frog you into a new role. Fresh
Start offered training in social media, networking, budgeting etc.
Let me Play offered courses that
included free tracksuits, free oyster cards and free breakfasts, on their
Sports and Performing Arts courses.
Barnet & Harringey College
highlighted courses and open apprenticeships. Work Choice offered advice and
support for those with disabilities looking for work.
Reed in Partnership offered training
and advice in debt management and housing problems, helping people back in to
work. Enfield Council had advice and guidelines for individuals looking to set
up their own food company.
Mr. Chaudhury Anwar MBE Mayor of
Enfield gave a short inspiring speech congratulating Martine Eni, Head of the
Community Centre, and her Volunteers for the Job Fair initiative. Mr Anwar went
on to say that there was a wealth of talent in Enfield and he was very
impressed with the community spirit; whilst times were hard it was important
for everyone to recognise opportunities and not to accept defeat.
Charles Kelly – Councillor and
ex-Mayor, gave a motivational speech asking people to think hard about what you
as an individual can offer, how would you market yourself, have a plan even a
simple one of where you want to be in five years, having a destination can
often help you start the journey. Mr Kelly went on to say it is important to
use your time wisely, if you have to sit in a car or on a tube for hours learn
a language, read to better yourself to be aware of what is going on in the
world. Immigrants see this as a land of opportunity why don’t we anymore? There
are opportunities out there for those who are prepared to make the effort and
go and find them, believe in yourself and you will succeed.
Another speech was given by Geoff
Folkes from Enterprise Enfield. Mr Folkes urged all those looking for work to
investigate and use the many training and advice businesses for support back
into employment. No one should feel they are struggling alone, if your
qualifications and skills are not quite what you need them to be then use the
support out there to get them. The Job Fair was a fine example of just some of the
opportunities available. Age should be no barrier to finding what you want and
achieving your goals. Apprenticeships, training in many areas, loans, credit
& debt advice, starting your own business, building and running a website,
opportunities for NVQ’s, the only real barrier your own self motivation!
