New Skills and Volunteering fair supports over 50s back into work

A new Skills and Volunteering Fair, set up by the Department for Work and Pensions (Jobcentre Plus) with Tendring4Growth, Tendring District Council’s (TDC’s) economic development initiative, was held in Jaywick Sands. 

The event aimed to support people aged 50 and over to get back into work, find volunteering roles or learn new skills.

Around 100 people visited the Sunspot in Jaywick on 21st January. 

Attendees took part in workshops, received CV-writing support, explored self-employment and spoke with local organisations offering advice.

Organisations present included National Careers Service, HR Prime, Parents 1st UK, Menta, Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Colchester Institute, Jobcentre Plus, COLBEA, Signpost, Home Instead and Citizens Advice Tendring.

The Fair was organised as many people over 50 are looking for flexible employment, volunteering or a chance to try something new after their previous career. 

One-to-one advice and sessions on job searching, self-employment and volunteering were provided.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism at TDC, said: “This event was all about opening doors for people aged 50+, whether that’s getting back into work, developing new skills, or finding out more about volunteering opportunities.