Salvation Army bring employers and new recruits together

The Salvation Army’s employment specialist service has hosted an online jobs fair for registered job seekers across the West Midlands.

The event attracted 21 recruiters, who offered 800 vacancies to more than 446 job seekers. Within 24 hours, 76 people applied for jobs featured in the jobs fair.

Deputy Director of Employment Services for The Salvation Army, Nick Read said: “The Salvation Army has a 150-year history of involvement in social work and fighting for social justice in the UK. Employment and the principle of 'Work for All' has been at the cornerstone of this, and in response The Salvation Army instigated the first ever labour exchange in the UK in 1890.

“We continue to look at new ways to bring opportunities forward to all those seeking work.”

The Salvation Army believes that helping people get jobs will help those struggling with the soaring cost of living crisis.  

Salvation Army are a local network delivery partner supporting Shaw Trust to deliver the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Coventry. JETS is a government programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. The programme is designed to help people that are recently unemployed and need some extra support to find work. Salvation Army provide coaching support to develop effective job search techniques, identify their transferable skills and match these to suitable vacancies.

Jobseekers who attended the online job fairs in January and April were full of praise and found it had helped them to get work: (Anon) “It is great to be able to talk with an employer to ask questions before applying.”

Tony said: “I have been successful in getting a job. The programme is outstanding, you all gave me the incentive to have confidence that things could change. From exploring the reaches of a good CV and cover letter, to understanding that I had skills that were transferable.”  

Laura, who was also unemployed before she attended the jobs fair said: “The job fair was successful for me as [The Salvation Army] supported me and made sure they sent every detail about the job. They also helped me to update my CV. I was encouraged to apply for the job I wanted… and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the job I have today.”

Recruitment Manager Mark Yeomans from Sitel Group (Stratford-upon- Avon) spoke about his experience on the January online fair: “As a business, we thoroughly enjoyed attending the virtual careers fair organised by The Salvation Army. So much engagement with candidates, for whom we were only too pleased to showcase the opportunities we have.  Since then, we have had so much interest in our vacancies.”

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Kevin Maton who supported the April jobs event, said: “I fully support The Salvation Army’s online Jobs Fair, it gives local employers a chance to showcase their operations and offer job seekers a chance, it’s a win-win opportunity. We need more recruiters to come forward, so I appeal to Coventry businesses to consider this option alongside other routes and take part in the next fair.”

The next online jobs fair is in June 2022 and is looking to be bigger and better providing real opportunities for real people.  If you are an employer and would like to explore how you can be involved in the event then please contact The Salvation Army by email: employmentplus@salvationarmy.org.uk