Alexander and Cable drop in at SPP jobs fair
Local MP Danny Alexander welcomed fellow Lib Dem Minister, Business Secretary, Vince Cable to Inverness on Saturday.
Following a tour of the UHI campus development in East Inverness, the two ministers dropped in at the Eastgate Shopping Centre to visit the Scottish Provincial Press’ (SPP) Career and Training Exhibition 2012.
The free event, aimed at school-leavers, unemployed, and people seeking to start up a new business or change career, was arranged by local newspaper group SPP to provide advice and potential training and recruitment opportunities.
A number of leading businesses and employers took part in the exhibition, including HIE – Talent Scotland, Hilton Hotels, Meallmore Ltd., Lifeskills, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Maersk Training, The Open University – Third Sector Internships and SSE.
Mr Alexander said: “Finding out what opportunities are available can often be the most testing part of searching for a new job or qualification, particularly if you are searching for the first time. Exhibitions, like the SPP event, can be a wonderful way of exploring the job market or viewing what training is available.
“For prospective employees and employers, having the chance to meet face to face is invaluable. Employers I have spoken to tell me that the Highlands are an excellent place to find hard working and loyal personnel, not to mention the opportunities open to new businesses. All of which has contributed to the significant growth and investment in new industries seen across the Highland Capital in recent years.”
Mr Cable commented: “The expo has been very encouraging, opening doors between businesses and prospective employees. The coalition government has introduced programmes like the £1bn Youth Contract precisely for that reason, creating 500,000 new apprenticeships across the country.
“We want to give the private sector the confidence to take on and train new personnel without overloading their staff budgets. It is fantastic to see so many businesses today taking the initiative by attending the expo.”
