Around 500 students from local secondary schools and colleges are expected to visit Wiltshire’s biggest careers fair taking place in Melksham next week.

Wiltshire's biggest careers fair is being held at the Melksham Community Campus on Friday, January 19 from 11am to 2pm. The event is free to attend and is open to the whole community, with no ticket needed.

It is being jointly hosted by Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan and Devizes MP Danny Kruger,  who have joined forces to help showcase the huge range of local talent, skills and job opportunities in the area, supporting local people and businesses. 

Michelle Donelan said: “My first Careers Fair in Chippenham last year was a huge success, so I am delighted to be joining forces with Danny to bring a huge number of local employers together with the community.

“Kindly supported by Wiltshire College and Vyiision, the event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase local talent, industry and skills, from local businesses to some of the largest employers in the county.

“Whether you are looking to get back into work, reskill or upskill or find an apprenticeship, there are a whole host of opportunities on offer, so this is the event for you!"

Danny Kruger added: "I'm very pleased to be working with Michelle to highlight what Wiltshire has to offer when it comes to employment opportunities, whether that's for those starting out in their careers or those looking for a change or development.

“We have some excellent employers - large and small - in the area and this Careers Fair is a great opportunity to come and explore new avenues of work."

As well as helping young people from local schools to pick a quality career path, the event is also designed to help those who are out of work, those who are looking to reskill or upskill, and those who would like a change in career, but don’t know where or how to start looking.   

Employers from a whole range of industries are confirmed to be attending with 45 exhibitors already booked to take part, including businesses from the engineering, manufacturing, science, retail, legal, logistics and banking industries.

Some of those organisations attending include Wincanton, the Royal Navy and the Army, Wiltshire Police, Amazon, Dick Lovett, GWR, HSBC, Wiltshire Council, Lloyds, Goughs Solicitors and many more.

The event is a great opportunity to find out more about current vacancies and how to apply, discover apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate schemes, ask any questions, and find out more about working life at the employers who are attending. Google will be providing CV advice and digital training to help attendees who are on their job search.  

Wiltshire College & University Centre is supporting the event and will be on hand to talk about the fantastic range of courses on offer across their campuses, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and new T-Levels.

The event is also kindly supported by Chippenham-based technology company Vyiision, and defence company Aspire.

Iain Hatt, chief executive and principal of Wiltshire College, said: “As the largest provider of vocational and technical skills training in Wiltshire, we know how important skills are for career progression, and are delighted to be involved with this Careers Fair to help and support everyone find the right career path for them.” 

Peter Clapton, chief executive officer of Vyission, said: "As a fast-paced engineering and technology company, we are delighted to be part of this Careers Fair."

Businesses or organisations who would like to attend the Careers Fair and run a stand are very welcome to email: michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk to confirm a place.