OVER 500 people attended a jobs fair at the Guildhall in Worcester yesterday.

The Worcester News Jobs and Careers Fair in association with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust brought together jobseekers and local employers.

With over 150 visitors in the first hour, the fair was expected to attract at least 500 by the time it finished.

Richard Hencher, event organiser, said: “It’s been a good morning so far, there have been plenty of interviews set up and job offers.

“Care is always recruiting. Hospitals are always looking. With the hospital being the sponsor, that is definitely drew people in. The Armed Forces always seem do well too.”

The fair was sponsored by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, who had a successful day and spoke with over 50 people.

Sarah Needham, lead nurse for workforce and education at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’ve attracted local people who want to work in their local hospital.”

“We’ve seen a particular interest from recently qualified nurses and nurses who are looking to get back into the profession.

“At least a quarter of the people we have seen today I would give jobs straight away.”

“Everyone is valued across the organisation whether you are the plumber or an engineer right up to the chief executive.”

A range of companies and employers attended the event including Sanctuary Group, Worcester Warriors and the Royal Air Force.

Pub giant Greene King were looking to fill 90 vacancies for its brand new Bluebell Farm site off Nunnery Way whilst Worcestershire County Cricket Club were looking to expand its hospitality team.

Peter Higgs, aged 19, from Worcester, was at the event because he felt university was no longer for him.

“I don’t really know what I want to do, I’ve spoken with the RAF and they’ve given me a lot of information about engineering jobs,” he said.

“The event has definitely given me something that I wouldn’t have got if I hadn’t have attended.”

Bethan Williams, aged 18, also from Worcester, was looking at her options after completing her A-levels at Worcester Sixth Form College.

“I’m looking to go into some kind of training or apprenticeship.

"I'm going to have a look around and see what I can find."