The first Laois Jobs Fair was a phenomenal success judging by the numbers in attendance and the reaction from employers and employees alike.
The event, organised by Laois Chamber of Commerce, saw 2,500 people descend on the Midlands Park Hotel, as employers and employees alike sought to strike up positive working relationships.
40 companies exhibited at the fair with approximately 350 jobs on offer.
Companies like Supermac’s, Glanbia Cheese , Nuvo , Greenfield Global and Enva were in attendance, as well as CJ Sheeran and Fingleton White, together with staff from Solas, the governing body for apprenticeships in Ireland. The 6 Digital Hubs operating were in Laois were also represented.
The Laois Jobs Fair organised by the Laois Chamber of Commerce in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey, no reproduction fee.
CEO of Laois Chamber of Commerce, Bernie Everard said
“I am really overwhelmed by the response. Everybody, from employers to employees spoke so positively and the great thing is that real connections were made and jobs are expected to be offered .For example Supermac’s, which is opening its new Portlaoise Plaza on Junction 17 in May, has 120 roles to fill and is confident of filling a sizeable number of these from connections made at the Jobs Fair. Also many interviews have been set up with other companies, with many reporting that they have already identified possible matches for positions they had been struggling to fill”.
“The one thread that ran through the reaction from companies was the quality of the job seekers. They were so impressed by them and so many said they were truly blown away by their experience, track record and professionalism”.
“Laois has enormous potential with employers and employers both needing the links that were made at the Jobs Fair. People are fed up with long commutes impacting on their quality of life and employers need the calibre of the workers they met. It’s a win win for everybody”.
Erin Hooban, HR Manager with Enva was just one of the attendees who could vouch for the difference working and living locally has made to her life.
“I was on the road with my job for years, I was constantly driving and it did take a toll,I was married to the N7. I am do delighted to be able to work and live locally. This Laois Jobs Fair has totally exceeded my expectations; the calibre of the jobseekers we met today was excellent”.
The event made it onto RTE’S Six One News
Bernie Everard, chief executive Laois Chamber with Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Willie Aird MCC at the Laois Jobs Fair organised by the Laois Chamber of Commerce in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey, no reproduction fee.
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