MPs Sarah Jones and Natasha Irons are jointly hosting a jobs fair for young people in the borough.

Intended for those aged 16 and over, the fair brings together major industry players including Google, EY Foundation, the NHS, Transport for London and others.

It will be an opportunity to speak directly to employers who will be hosting stalls throughout the event.

Tech giant Google will be delivering training on digital skills, while  charity Croydon Commitments will be running mock interviews.

The Department of Work and Pensions will be offering a workshop on careers in the Civil Service.

Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East, and Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon West, will sit on a panel, as well as top representatives from a range of industries. Audience members will hear insights from a range of careers and have the chance to ask panellists questions.

Anyone interested in finding out more are being encouraged to sign up at the Eventbrite page for more details by clicking here.

“As a parent of three teenagers, I completely understand how difficult and overwhelming it can feel when you’re finishing school or college and trying to work out what comes next,” said MP Jones.

“Young people today are faced with more choices than ever before, including career paths that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago.

“Every time I visit schools or meet young people in Croydon, I’m struck by their drive – they want to learn, build careers and make a positive contribution to our community. It’s our responsibility to ensure they have the guidance, opportunities and practical experience they need to take that first step into the world of work.”

The jobs fair follows a recent announcement from the government of 300,000 new work experience and training placements as part of a £2.5billion youth employment support package.

It’s part of Labour’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to ensure that every young person can earn or learn. This expands on the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) initiative, which combines training and workplace experience,  under which 4-in-10 participants move into work within six months. Gatwick Airport, a leading employer in Croydon and an early backer of SWAP, has already seen more than half of its 81 participants progress into employment.

Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East said: “Young people are entering a tough jobs market. They are ambitious, eager to work, but are struggling to get that first break. Our jobs fair will connect the brilliant young talent we have in Croydon with some of the country’s biggest employers.

“Sarah and I want to offer practical support, so that our young people have the tools and confidence to seize networking opportunities.”

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