A careers fair designed to connect jobseekers with a disability to employers has been lauded a success.
The fair was held at Campbell Page’s Sunshine office last month and featured 15 exhibitors.
Campbell Page national disability employer partnership manager Cassandra Warin said the fair brought people together and celebrated diversity.
“We’re here to connect people looking for work with local employers,” she said.
“All of our 15 exhibitors here are in this with us and we’re hoping to change people’s lives.”
Ms Warin said the fair was embraced by all involved, with an overwhelming sense of optimism.
“There’s been a great buzz here and a fantastic feeling. The employers who participated see and recognise ability and everyone walked away with real hope of employment opportunities for the area.”
While the fair served as an initial networking opportunity, Ms Warin said there were a number of success stories.
“We actually had a customer here who walked up to an employer, had a fantastic conversation and was invited back for a second interview, which is just wonderful,” she said.
“That’s part of the reason we wanted the fair to be a face-to-face event. A number of our customers suffer anxiety and this provided a safe and supporting environment for people to approach employers in a manner they may not have done otherwise.”
The fair also offered jobseekers the chance to learn a trade, with a barista course offered on the day.
“We’ve set up the Welcome Bean Cafe too, where people were able to learn how to make coffee,” Ms Warin said.
“Coffee was served throughout the day and received a number of compliments.
“There were a number of employers here looking for hospitality workers, so I think we’re going to see some really great outcomes.”
