What young people found at Cornwall’s Jobs Fair at the Eden Project

Fishing boats and farms on one table. Critical minerals, defence and the energy transition on the next. And a room full of young people working out where they might fit in.

That was the scene at the Eden Project on Friday 23 October, as dozens of businesses and young people from across Cornwall came together for Cornwall’s Jobs Fair, despite Storm Austen.

The event was aimed mainly at 18 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training, giving them a chance to hear about the jobs, apprenticeships and training schemes on their own doorsteps.

Talking directly to employers

Young people were able to speak face to face with businesses to find out how they operate, what skills are involved, and what first steps they could take into the workplace.

Companies from Cornwall’s traditional industries, such as fishing, farming and hospitality, were there alongside firms offering alternative routes in critical minerals, defence and the energy transition.

According to the organisers, the fair drew strong interest, with young people from across the county saying how useful it was to learn more about what they could get involved in around their local area.

What the MPs said

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, described the event as a great opportunity and thanked everyone who helped it run smoothly.

“The grit and determination our young people have to get the qualifications they need and to enter the world of work is amazing,” she said. “This was so clear from the number of people who showed up today, keen to work and simply wanting to find the right opportunities. It was really tremendous.

“I know that there are people walking out of that door more confident, and with greater hope for their futures. Taking that first step or finding out more about how they can level up their skills, is exactly what this event aimed to do.”

She added: “I want to thank everyone who helped to organise Cornwall’s Jobs Fair, all the young people who came along, and the businesses who gave up their time, showing just how much they want to invest in the next generation.”

Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, said young people “so often get a hard time”.

“But they face many more pressures than I did when I was young. In my experience, they are keen to develop their careers as soon as they can,” he said.

“Today’s event has reinforced my view. Great to see so many young people engaged with the recruitment process, and I wish each and every one of them the very best. Thanks also to all the organisers of the brilliant event!”

Not having to leave to achieve

Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “With lots of young people across Cornwall struggling to find a route from education into employment, it was brilliant to bring so many employers and young people together to help demystify the world of work and highlight some of the skills and training opportunities available here in Cornwall.

“Our peninsula has so much to offer, with exciting future-focused industries. Today, despite Storm Austen, was about breaking down barriers so people don’t feel they have to leave to achieve.”

How the fair came about

The Jobs Fair followed work by Anna, alongside fellow Cornish MPs Jayne, Noah Law and Perran, with the Department for Work and Pensions to secure the event.

That included a letter from Anna to the Government on the need for better access to employment opportunities for young people in Cornwall, co-signed by Jayne and Perran.

📷Anna Gelderd MP and Jayne Kirkham MP at Cornwall's Jobs Fair