MORE than 2,000 people came through the doors of a jobs fair at Grimsby Town Hall.
The Pop-up Job Shop was organised by the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP), with North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), to connect people seeking work to employers and training opportunities in the area.
Among those present were employers such as Associated British Ports (ABP), Argos and Marks and Spencer, as well as training providers such as Franklin College, Grimsby Institute and Catch.
The fair was so popular that it surprised organiser Jennifer Vincent – who has organised similar events in the past.
Mrs Vincent, events manager for the DWP, said: "We had 1,000 people through the door in the first hour-and-a-half and it remained steady after that.
"It's the most popular jobs fair we've organised so far and a number of exhibitors have even run out of application forms.
"We have had people running to the council offices and Jobcentre to photocopy more and it's been a great collaboration."
NELC finance portfolio holder for finance Darren Billard said: "I'm pleased at the turnout today but not surprised.
"It shows how well this collaboration works and we will be looking to provide more fairs like this in local communities."
Jazzmine Wilson, 17, of Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, was searching for an apprenticeship.
She said: "I want to work in business and administration but I've applied for loads of positions online and never hear anything.
"I'm hoping to speak to people and make an impression today."
Kirsty Davison, 19, of Healing, is currently doing an apprenticeship in business and administration but it comes to an end in a few weeks and she has not been offered a permanent job.
Miss Davison said: "It's really difficult trying to find another job so I'm here trying to find out about what's out there."
Shona Cummings, 19, of Wybers Wood, was looking for a change.
Miss Cummings said: "I worked for McDonald's for two years but I lost that job and now I want to do something totally different."
Tara Waters, admin support worker for Argos, was recruiting for 25 temporary roles over the Christmas period.
She said: "It's gone absolutely mad and we've had to go and photocopy more application forms.
"We've got about 500 forms altogether and it looks like we're going to give them all out."
CatZero, which helps young people into employment, were there both exhibiting and training their students.
More than 20 young people were acting as stewards for the event.
Sean Cahill, programme manager for the South Bank, said: "It's a chance for our young people to build confidence and network with employers.
"We can also raise our profile with young people who want to join the programme."
Francesca Thompson, 27, of Cabourne Road, Grimsby, said she loved working with CatZero and was "really surprised" by how many people turned out to the event.
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