More than 350 march down to join jobs fair at Dudley army centre

For the fourth year in a row the Army Reserve Centre at Alamein House, home of the Royal Yeomanry’s B Squadron, opened its doors to unemployed people and those considering a change of career.

Soldiers were on hand to talk to people about the many paid volunteer opportunities available as well as displaying some of the state of the art equipment used on exercises, including a RWMIK (Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit), a lightly armoured, highly-mobile fire support and force protection Land Rover.

As well as the Army, Debenhams and National Express were among 40 employers manning stands in a hall where the ceiling was covered in webbing as used by the Army on exercises.

A DWP spokesperson said: “The Army has been so helpful running the event with, as would be expected, military precision. This jobs fair just gets bigger and better every year.”

The event took place on June 22.

It was a similar story in Oldbury, just days before, when DWP teamed up with 225 Field Squadron, Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) at the Army Reserve Centre.

Soldiers from the squadron demonstrated some of their skills and equipment used for military engineering construction tasks that are also used in civilian workplaces.

At both Army reserve centres people signed up to find out more about paid volunteer opportunities in the Reserves and how these can enhance their employment prospects.

The Jobs Fairs came ahead of Armed Forces Day on June 24.

Thousands descended on Himley Hall and Park, for the annual family event, run by Dudley Council, that celebrates Britain’s Armed Forces.

There was live music, military vehicles, meet and greets and exhibitions at the famous venue, with the community coming out in droves to honour servicemen and women locally and nationally.

Councillor Dave Tyler, the mayor of Dudley, spoke of his delight at the turnout for the event, which he called 'the highlight of any mayor's year'.