Visitors of all ages flocked to Wiltshire’s biggest careers fair on Friday, in search of advice, help and to explore the latest job opportunities on offer from major employers.

The one-day fair at the Olympiad leisure centre in Chippenham was organised by the town’s MP Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Miss Donelan said: “We have a fantastic of local different businesses, and the fair is sponsored and supported by Wiltshire College & University Centre, Arralis and Wavin.

“You can just see here for yourself the range of different employers. We have got healthcare, recruitment agencies, engineering, household names like Siemens, and small local businesses.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the huge range of talent, skills and job opportunities which we have locally, and there will employers from a whole host of industries attending, including engineering, manufacturing, retail, science, legal, logistics and banking - to name just a few.

“It’s a fantastic showcase of just what we have on our doorstep. You can live here and work here. You don’t have to leave the area if you are young or if you want to progress your career.”

The visitors included a party of 120 pupils from Years 9-13 at Sheldon School led by Head of Sixth Form Eugene Spiers, who said: “The pupils have spoken to people about the job and apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

“Some of them were surprised by the number of employers in the area that they did not know were there.”

Callie Reeves, 16, from Year 12, said: “It has been a very useful visit. I have spoken to Wiltshire College about the apprenticeship opportunities and I’m looking for work experience with businesses in the area.”

The careers fair was the first one the MP has organised and was postponed from its original date on September 16 because of the mourning period for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.

The fair was free to attend, open to all and offered an opportunity for local people looking to reskill or upskill, those who are out of work to explore new job opportunities, or even those who just fancy a change of job.

The hundreds of visitors who attended were able to meet 60-plus of the best employers in the county, find out more about current vacancies, discover apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, ask any questions they might have and get CV advice.