Amey connects Stafford jobseekers with more than 200 employment opportunities at Journey to Work Expo

Amey has helped connect Stafford jobseekers with more than 200 employment opportunities at its first-ever Journey to Work Expo, bringing together employers, training providers and local people looking to take their next step into work.

Held last month, the Expo built on the success of Journey to Work, one of Amey’s flagship employability initiatives, by creating a larger event that connected employers, training providers and jobseekers from across Staffordshire. Delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Staffordshire MP Leigh Ingham and Stafford College (NSCG), the event took place against a backdrop of rising employment challenges, including an unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent and youth unemployment of 16.2 per cent among 16 to 24-year-olds in Stafford.

More than 40 employers and training providers attended the event, showcasing over 200 live vacancies and providing careers advice, CV support, interviews, and information on training and development opportunities. Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with employers and gain insight into career pathways across a range of sectors.

Amey colleagues showcased career opportunities across highways, infrastructure and defence through a range of interactive exhibits, including military vehicles, operational equipment and virtual reality experiences, giving attendees a hands-on insight into careers they may not previously have considered.

The event delivered further success, with Amey making a job offer on the day for a Highways Maintenance Operative role within its Staffordshire account. At least five additional candidates have also progressed through the recruitment process.

Julie Mellor, People Director at Amey, said: “Journey to Work has always been about connecting people with opportunity. The success of the programme gave us the confidence to scale that ambition and launch the Journey to Work Expo, bringing together more employers, more training providers and more opportunities for local people.”

“The success of this event demonstrates the power of partnership. We know employment changes lives, strengthens communities and supports economic growth. That’s why we’re committed not just to helping people secure jobs, but to helping them build long-term careers.”

Leigh Ingham MP, said: “I am passionate about bringing more jobs to the area and showing people the wide range of opportunities available in Stafford. The Journey to Work Expo demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations come together to help people develop skills, gain confidence and access sustainable employment. Events like this can change lives, and I am proud to support an initiative that is creating real opportunities for local people.”

The Minister for Employment, Andrew Western, said: “This is a brilliant partnership that has helped connect jobseekers across Stafford with new opportunities.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting people with employers, and meeting them where they are so they can move into work. This comes on top of our £2.5 billion youth employment support package with 300,000 new work experience placements.

“This is about breaking down barriers, opening doors and ensuring every person can earn or learn, wherever they live.”

Stuart Aitken, Employer and Partnership Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), said: “Partnership working is essential if we are to address the employment challenges facing many communities today. By bringing employers directly alongside jobseekers, providing practical support and creating immediate opportunities, events such as the Journey to Work Expo help remove barriers and enable people to take their next step into employment.”

To learn more about Amey’s Journey to Work programme and how it is helping people access training, employment and long-term career opportunities, visit the Amey Journey to Work webpage.