WATCH: Job done! Wolverhampton's careers fair is a hit
Armed forces, retail, catering, health - just some of the 1,000 jobs that were on offer at a jobs fair in the Black Country.
Over 1,000 job hunters turned up to Molineux for a jobs fair as part of Wolverhampton business week.
A total of 55 stalls were set up inside the WV1 suite last week with more than 1,000 thousand vacancies available.
These jobs ranged from construction and warehouse work to fast food outlets KFC and McDonalds.
There was also an army village outside the stadium.
Councillor John Reynolds, who is Wolverhampton's cabinet member for city economy, said: "This is the second one we have run as part of Wolverhampton business week and I think I can say its been an overwhelming success.
"If this time next year something similar is happening the key thing is come along and you can get yourself a job on the day or an interview lined up. Something like this is really really important to get local people, local jobs.
"The number of jobs in Wolverhampton has gone up, but unfortunately for some of these better qualified jobs the people in Wolverhampton haven't necessarily had the qualifications for them, so some of those jobs have gone to people outside of Wolverhampton.
"The key thing is for people to get jobs for the standard they are at now then we really want people to improve their skills, improve their knowledge so that they can apply for the jobs further up the scale.
"I'm really really pleased indeed. It shows that one thing the council has been doing is really trying to talk up Wolverhampton and invest in Wolverhampton, despite government cuts.
"One of the tasks the council needs to lead on more than it does now in the coming years is looking to co-ordinate careers advice."
Pat McFadden, the MP for Wolverhampton South East, added: "It's very good to organise jobs fairs like this. Unemployment in the city has come down but it's still more than we would like and I am aware we need to give people more chances."
An estimated 1,200 people attended the event which included stalls from the likes of UTC Aerospace Systems, Carillion, Aldi, Angel Springs and The Way Youth Zone.
Andrew Walker, The Way's Volunteer Manager, said: "It's been extremely busy, we've been advertising roles which will soon go up on our website and really promoting volunteering opportunities.
"Events like this are really important you can tell that by the amount of people who turned up. You need to get the local people back into local work.
"That's what the whole event is for, helping people to see what jobs are out there in the city. We're extremely grateful to the council for putting this event on."
Luke Watkins, aged 25 from Stourbridge, had travelled to Wolverhampton specifically for the fair and was one of those on the hunt for a job in the city.
He said: "Events like this give me the options to look for what I need. I've finished university and I'm looking for new fresh work and this is the perfect place to find.
"Places like these are actually quite helpful. I would encourage the council and other councils across the country to put more events like this on."
Hollie Watts, aged 19 from Wolverhampton, is currently studying at Wolverhampton college and was looking for potential jobs when she finishes education.
She said: "It's easier when you get to see the stalls in person rather than online. Then you get to see the people you're talking to and can ask questions and interact rather than staring at a screen. It gets you ready for the interviews as well if you get that far."
