DESPITE a “low turnout of young people” who could benefit from career and apprenticeship advice, the 2016 East Hampshire Job Fair at Bordon’s Forest Community Centre was “well supported” by 155 attendees.

Many of those who went to the fair were from outlying towns and villages and used the free transport provided.

There were 36 employers with live job vacancies, and jobseekers were offered the chance to attend any of three workshops, with the chance to win one of seven refurbished bicycles and interview clothes.

JobCentrePlus often had people queuing at its table to seek advice on how best to apply for jobs and help with completing application forms. JobCentrePlus staff said: “This was a really successful event and with the planned redevelopment of Bordon it can be even better in future years.”

SGN, which has taken over the responsibility for maintenance of the gas-pipe network from Transco, participated to create awareness and attract young engineering staff and made more than 10 worthwhile contacts.

Radian Employment Support and Training, which sponsored the fair with East Hampshire District Council, considered the event to be “an excellent opportunity” to introduce candidates to prospective employers.

Farnham-based RS UK will be opening a site in Bordon’s Woolmer Way and has vacancies for 25 production and test operatives from January.

Hampshire police made a number of new contacts with potential recruits. The venue was ideal as Hampshire Constabulary has a number of vacancies in north Hampshire.

There were two panels detailing immediate job vacancies. These included Rushmoor Employment Skills, seeking ground-maintenance staff, and an internet-marketing professional for Thunderbolt.

Yodel had vacancies for couriers, Fitzroy was seeking a fundraising and marketing assistant, Radian had vacancies for community safety and independent-living officers, Four Seasons Marquees was hiring riggers, Caffe Nero had vacancies for catering and serving staff, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was advertising for course applicants, South Atlantic Trading had a vacancy for an administrative assistant, and Brendon Care, Friends of the Elderly, Home Care UK, and Sanctuary Care needed care assistants.

Radian’s Janice Waterman said: “We had expected more attendees, but it appears the improvement in the employment situation across the country means there are fewer jobseekers in this area.”