“SMART Works built my self confidence and helped me see myself in a new light - as a skilled and experienced professional. I walked with confidence into my interview, knowing that I bring lots of skills to the table and can get the job done.”
Linda had been out of work for more than a year when the team at Smart Works met her. She said the process of applying for work had a significant negative impact on her confidence.
Linda received career coaching, interview preparation and a full interview outfit from the Smart Works women’s employment charity. She applied for, and got, a job in the NHS as a Personal Assistant.
“Starting work means freedom from anxiety for me,” says Linda. “I’m so excited to use my skills and capabilities to support vulnerable people in the healthcare system.”
Now Smart Works Leeds is bringing a jobs fair to Bradford to help more women into work. The charity offers free interview coaching and a dressing service so women can feel confident and empowered, and find a job quickly.
Smart Works Leeds supported more than 800 women across the region in 2023 and is on course to help 1,000 women a year by 2025. The charity says 63 per cent of women it supports are in employment within one month of their appointment.
The Women Into Work jobs fair, taking place in Bradford next week, will provide local women with an opportunity to meet employers who are keen to bring more women into their workforce, with a variety of vacancies and training opportunities.
The event is sponsored by Ilkley-based online training provider High Speed Training, which is a member of Smart Works’ Collective, a corporate supporters’ network. The fair will be attended by employers representing retail, customer services, warehousing, admin, care, construction and hospitality sectors with vacancies, including part time roles and with entry level opportunities. There are also opportunities for women to apply for Civil Service roles and start self employment.
Smart Works Leeds will provide anyone who is invited to an interview after the event with a free interview outfit and one-to-one coaching to prepare for it.
The last job fair that Smart Works Leeds hosted saw more than 360 women meeting prospective employers, and was attended by a range of local businesses, including Lloyds Bank and Morrisons, who will be at the Bradford event. Other employers attending including Yorkshire Water, Solenis and the National Science and Media Museum.
Lottie Roberts, Outreach Manager at Smart Works Leeds, said: “We are so proud and excited to host our first Women Into Work Bradford Jobs Fair, an event to connect women to prospective employers directly.
“Our clients often tell us that job application processes are confusing, that they struggle to find opportunities, and that it is really hard to get in front of employers. Through this event, attendees will be able to find out more about the rich range of vacancies available in Bradford and surrounding areas and speak to top employers, to get advice about making applications and furthering their job search. It is an honour to do an event on this scale for the women of Bradford.”
Amy Mortimer, Head of Strategic Partnerships at High Speed Training said: “We are delighted to help Smart Works to deliver their jobs fair in Bradford. We all know how hard it is to make decisions about work opportunities from a job description alone! This event will provide female job seekers in the city with a wonderful opportunity to meet potential employers face to face and get a much better sense of organisations and the roles they have available.
“We believe that making these connections will have a positive impact on women seeking work and enable Smart Works to help even more women to change their lives for the better.”
* The Women Into Work jobs fair is at Bradford City Football Club on Tuesday, September 24 from 10am to 2pm. To find out more, or register to attend, visit leeds.smartworks.org.uk or show up on the day.
Contact Smart Works via email at leeds@smartworks.org.uk or by calling (0113) 2346503.
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