JohnBurmantofts-based charity Smart Works Leeds are hosting a Women Into Works Jobs fair in Bradford – and are calling for businesses across West Yorkshire to attend to meet a wide range of prospective new employees.
The event, on 24 September at Bradford City Football Club, will provide local businesses an opportunity for employers to recruit female talent and advertise that they are invested in increasing the representation of women within their organisation.
Smart Works Leeds is a women’s employment charity who offer free interview coaching and a dressing service so women can feel confident, be empowered, and find a job quickly. They supported over 800 women across Yorkshire in 2023, and are aiming to break the 1000 mark in 2024. 69% of the people supported by Smart Works are in employment within one month of their appointment.
The Women Into Works Jobs fair is being sponsored by Ilkley-based online training provider High Speed Training, who have partnered with Smart Works Leeds on a number of events. A registered B-Corp, High Speed Training are a member of the Smart Works Leeds Collective, and recently hosted a fundraising event for Smart Works Leeds at their Ilkley HQ.
Employers from all sectors who have multiple vacancies, including part time roles and with entry level opportunities especially, are encouraged to attend, as a great opportunity to find new talent in one place. Organisations are asked to just pay an admin fee of £50 for a stand at the event, which will also feature a CV clinic by the HR experts from High Speed Training.
2023’s job fair saw more than 360 women attend to speak to prospective employers, and was attended by a range of local businesses, including Jet2, the NHS and Morrisons, who will be returning to the Bradford event.
Lottie Roberts, Outreach Manager at Smart Works Leeds, said: “Following the success of last year’s jobs fair, we are once again calling on businesses across West Yorkshire to attend and tap into the wonderful talent that our region has to offer.
“Currently we work with about 5% of the unemployed women in Bradford, so we are really keen to connect with many more and help to improve life chances and increase diversity in organisations across the city. A key part of our strategy for 2024 is to become more visible in Bradford and the jobs fair is a perfect opportunity to spread the word about our service and connect employers to women who are actively looking for work”.
