Sun readers reap the rewards after attending our Sunemployment Roadshow
More than 40 top firms competed to hire 500 jobseekers and three months on we hear how successful these new hires are
MEET two Sun readers who are on the road to success thanks to Sunemployment.
Mark Keogh, 33, and Oliver Clarke, 26, are among more than 500 jobseekers who found work after attending our annual Sunemployment Roadshow this summer.
More than 40 top firms including Tesco, Halfords, OpenReach, Premier Inn and Travelodge competed to hire Sun readers at events in three cities.
Anne Milton, apprenticeships and skills minister, said: “The message is that you’re never too young or too old to change career or get into work.
It was a privilege to be a part of an event that changed the lives of those who came along.”
Three months on, Mark and Oliver tell us how their lives have been transformed.
OLIVER CLARKE, from Walthamstow, North East London, became the first person in four generations of his family to find work — hired on the spot by Travelodge at the London event.
Oliver said: “I had applied for hundreds of jobs but not been successful in even securing an interview.
“My self-esteem was at rock bottom. I was feeling very low and it took courage to come to the Sunemployment Roadshow. But I had read positive stories at Sun Online about candidates like myself who had been in a similar situation and found a job at a Sunemployment Roadshow. On the day, I felt uplifted by seeing so many employers, all under one roof, offering jobs.
“After talking to multiple employers, I knew Travelodge was the firm for me. I had two thorough interviews on the day and Craig Bonnar, the Travelodge chief operating officer, offered me the job.
“It was the ultimate confidence boost. I don’t think I have ever felt that good in my life. Now I’m working, I have learned so much in such a short space of time.
“I’m even hoping to join the Travelodge management scheme called Aspire in the next few months, to climb the career ladder into management.
“The Sunemployment Roadshow is a unique event that actually delivers. It was quite incredible that within the space of one day my life and my outlook had changed.”
Travelodge will be hiring 1,000 new starters before Christmas. To apply, go to travelodge.co.uk/careers.
- Want to take part in next year’s events? Email jane.hamilton @the-sun.co.uk or [email protected]
Job spot
OPENREACH needs 500 new people across the UK. See to find out more.
How to make a change
LOOKING to change career or get back into work? Here’s how Sunemployment and our Roadshow partners can help you . . .
- Dozens of firms who took part in this year’s Roadshows are still recruiting. Apply via bit.ly/2xElaL8.
- Decided which company you want to work for? Follow it on social media, including LinkedIn, to stay informed on news and vacancies.
- Read Sunemployment in The Sun every Friday and online at mcb777.site/sunemployment for job news and search hints.
- For free jobs advice, call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. Or visit nationalcareersservice.direct. gov.uk.
- For all you need to know on apprenticeships, see getingofar.gov.uk and gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
'Great way to explore new jobs'
MARK KEOGH attended the Manchester Roadshow after losing a supermarket job he had held for ten years.
The 33-year-old, from Manchester, inset below, landed a job as a customer experience specialist with appliance retailer AO.com
He says: “I hadn’t started a new job in over a decade so was worried. But the Roadshow was a great way to explore roles I might never have considered.
“I wanted to draw on my existing skills but also learn new ones. AO.com seemed a great fit. I had an interview on the day, then one at the firm’s Bolton HQ and a call the next day to say I had the job. I was so happy.”
Vicky Monk, of AO.com, says: “Since he started with us, feedback about Mark has been great. I’m looking forward to seeing what he achieves.”
AO.com has more than 50 jobs, including at the Crewe logistics centre, Telford recycling plant and Bolton HQ. Head to ao-jobs.com
Jobspot
METROBANK has 175 jobs up for grabs today at
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Work opportunities
- CROWN yourself a top entrepreneur with the Prince’s Trust. If you’re aged 18 to 30, you can speak to the charity for free help and advice on starting your own business. A spokesman for the scheme said: “We can help you turn big ideas into a business reality through our enterprise programme. From training and mentoring, to funding and resources, we’re with you every step of the way.” You can find out more at princes-trust.org.uk.
- VOLUNTEERING abroad can boost your CV and language skills – and both will impress potential employers. There are more than 200 placements at bunac.org/uk.
- FACILITIES firm ABM, which looks after hundreds of the country’s top offices, sports venues and events centres, needs 80 new staff across the UK. Roles include technicians, cleaners, engineers and administrators.
HR director Nicola Davies said: “We are looking for individuals who aren’t just after a day job but a career. We work hard to ensure that our people, whatever their level, have opportunities to upskill.” See abm.co.uk/careers/explore-careers. Apply by sending your CV and cover letter to [email protected].
Jacob’s tips for ex-offender jobseekers
ELEVEN million Brits have a criminal record – and now ex-offenders’ charity NACRO is urging more employers to consider hiring former cons.
Chief executive Jacob Tas said: “Any company ignoring ex-offenders is ignoring a huge talent pool. Ex-offenders are often intuitive and determined. Put to use the right way, these skills can help plug the UK’s skills gap.”
- Before approaching any employer, prepare an up-to-date CV that lists your experience and skill set and has examples which can show employers why you would be the right candidate.
- Check if any jobs you are applying for require you to disclose your criminal record. Are you asked to disclose on the application form or at interview stage?
- Write a “disclosure statement” which explains your convictions, how you have learned from the experience and your commitment to turning a negative into a positive. Make it specific to the job.
- Get free help at nacro.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 0300 123 1999.