The event, hosted by former MP John Stevenson, will take place on January 22nd, 2-6.30pm at Carlisle College.
The annual event has welcomed thousands of young people and job seekers over the years, helping them to understand their options and find out more about the opportunities that local businesses and training providers have to offer now and in the future.
Commenting John said, “It is more important than ever to demonstrate to young people that they don’t have to move away in order to gain the skills and training to be able to get a good job or a foot on the career ladder. There are so many opportunities for them right here on their doorstep.
That’s why I am so pleased to have been able to establish Carlisle Skills Fair as an annual event. It’s fantastic that people in Carlisle and the wider Cumbria, can access local training and job opportunities under one roof.
None of this of course would be possible without the continued support of local organisations, training providers and both the big and small companies we have in and around Carlisle.
I am very grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this event happen.”
The main sponsors of the 2025 skills fair are Persimmon Homes, pladis and the Cumberland Building Society.
Mark Ebdon, Factory General Manager at pladis’ Carlisle bakery—home to the iconic Carr’s, McVitie’s, and Jacob’s brands said
“As one of Carlisle’s leading employers, we’re honoured to be a principal sponsor of the 12th Annual Carlisle Skills Fair.
Our Carr’s bakery, recognised as the oldest biscuit factory in the world, continues to receive significant investment as we build a culture of excellence and ensure the site is equipped for another 200 years of success.
Carlisle boasts a wide range of career opportunities, and we warmly encourage attendees to explore what’s on offer.
It’s a chance to contribute to the future of our heritage and be part of something truly special in the city.”
Helen Anderson, people attraction co-ordinator from the Cumberland Building Society, said:
“Being involved in the annual skills fair is something we’re really proud of.
To think about how many people have attended these events over more than a decade and benefited from conversations, not just with us, but all the organisations involved is testament to the opportunities available in the region as well as the talent we have here.
We’re excited to be there to be part of the conversations and opportunities that will come from attending again this year. Whether that’s being there for someone starting out, interested in in a career change or looking for a new challenge. We’re looking forward to it.”
Also supporting the event are Carlisle College, Gen2, Inspira, Jobcentre Plus, JTL Training, Lakes College, PHX Training, SP Training, and the University of Cumbria. Over 75 exhibitor places have already been taken.