13th Carlisle Skills Fair

The event, organised by former Carlisle MP John Stevenson, will be held at Carlisle College on Thursday, January 21st 2027 from 2pm to 6.30pm.

Commenting John said: “I’m delighted to say that the annual Carlisle Skills Fair is very much a permanent fixture in the diary of many Cumbrian people and businesses. The organisation and hosting of the event is one of my proudest achievements to date.

Alan Milburn MP’s 2026 interim report on young people and work calls the UK’s rising NEET (not in education, employment or training) figures an urgent national crisis, yet having recognised the gap, here we are 13 years later, still doing all we can to bring job seekers, and young people in particular, together with skills providers and employers with the jobs of the future.

This event has always been the perfect way to help people get equipped with the right skills and experience for those jobs and careers – so important for the future prosperity of our region.

I remain committed to making sure that everyone in Carlisle and Cumbria is able to grasp the opportunities on offer and be happy and successful in life.

Every year the event gets bigger and better and this year yet again saw record numbers of employers, training providers, young people and job seekers attending from not just Carlisle but all over the region. Please do but the date in the diary now.

As always, I am grateful for the support of Carlisle College, Inspira and Carlisle Job Centre and all our sponsors and supporters.