On Wednesday 18th August the Jason Roberts Foundation hosted their annual Careers Expo at Bridgestone Arena, which welcomed 250 young people and Brent residents throughout the day and was aimed at people looking to either start out in a career or considering a change of career paths.
The JRF event saw the highest to date attendance of National and local organisations, businesses, education establishments, and entrepreneurs with delegates from the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, and the Shaw Trust who support adults who are looking to get into work.
A wide range of industries were represented with staff on hand to provide information to Brent residents on training programmes, work placements, and careers.
For those interested in regeneration, property, construction, and environmental matters Higgins, Quintain, and Engie were present to answer questions.
Budding media aficionados had the opportunity to quiz Sports Editor and Journalist Rodney Hinds from The Voice Newspaper and JRF Trustee Jo Tongue, CEO of Tongue-Tied Management – a Sports Agency specialising in Talent Management and Production.
Young entrepreneurs were able to gain advice and guidance on setting up their own business from Leon Callender of Straight Ace Sports Management, local Businessman and Entrepreneur Mark Segalov, and YouTube Personality Rants @rantsnbants.
Brent Health Matters spoke with potential candidates interested in a career in health, and Brent Works were able to advise local people of job searches and applications in other industries.
Training provider Applied Business Academy, and further education providers North-West London College and the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) provided information for those wanting to explore training and education opportunities.
The Careers event had a sporty feel with attendees having the opportunity to take part in some of the recreational activities on offer at the centre such as Teqball, Football shooting target, and Basketball.
JRF’s Youth Ambassadors and volunteers not only supported the JRF staff with running the event but it was also an opportunity for them to celebrate their recent exam results as well as exploring what pathways they would be choosing – whether into further education, training, Apprenticeships, or the world of work.
Brent Council Leader and Councillor Muhammed Butt and former Brent Mayor Councillor Ernest Ezeajughi were present and on hand to offer guidance, support, and hope to residents, whilst the Cultural Media Centre provided music through the new radio station and interviewed some of the delegates in attendance on the day.
Some local people have already reported positive feedback after meeting and following up on some of the leads from the day, and the JRF team wish them well in their chosen pathways.
The JRF team are grateful to the individuals, companies, organisations, and businesses for taking the time to attend and for providing vital tips, advice, and guidance to the job seekers who came along on the day, as well as Brent Council, Young Brent Foundation, and One Flow One Brent for their support.
You can watch a short video showing an overview of the day here https://vimeo.com/604744375
