HUNDREDS of jobseekers gathered at a careers fair to speak to some of Bolton's biggest employers.

This was the first event of its type held at the Job Centre Plus in Blackhorse Street, which saw certain job hunters invited to meet with recruiters.

In total 35 companies, including the Royal Bolton Hospital, North West Ambulance Service, Virgin Media, Bolton Lads and Girls Club and the Prince’s Trust set up stalls over two floors.

Job Centre employees said around 700 unemployed people were expected to visit in total.

Julie Wills, employer and partnership manager at the Job Centre Plus, said: “We invited different groups of service users – the long term sick, lone parents, universal credit customers and people who are on our work programme – so they had the chance to speak to the employers they wanted to see.

“We are looking to hold another similar event later this year and will still also be part of the Team Bolton jobs fair at Bolton College.”

Finding out about opportunities with B&Q was 33-year-old Anna Tavares, from Farnworth, who has been out of work since December.

She said: “I am here to try and get a job in administration.

“I think in Bolton there are quite a lot of job opportunities – I have just been unlucky in not getting one yet.”

Jen Bissett, HR administrator at B&Q Bolton, said: “Through the Job Centre we offer eight-week placements to help people get back into work.

“We are an age positive company and has no upper limit for recruitment, so a lot of our part-time workers are retired.”

Also a popular draw was the stall of award-winning construction firm Seddon, which has a base in Plodder Lane.

Lucy Cullen, the company’s training and HR administrator, said: “One thing we have been telling people is that apprenticeships are for people of all ages, not just school leavers – our eldest, currently, is 37.

“We are also getting a lot of women coming to the stall today, which is fantastic because the construction industry is crying out for women.”

Billie-Jo Howarth, aged 20, from Westhoughton, and 22-year-old Melissa Aldred, from Farnworth, said they had both been out of work for a long time.

Billie-Jo said: “It has been really good today and I have been able to speak to quite a few different employers.”

Melissa added: “I am looking for a customer service or childcare role and it seems like there is a lot going on.”