City of Bristol College proudly welcomed hundreds of visitors to the 10th annual South Bristol Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair this week, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most impactful employment events.
Held at the college’s South Bristol Skills Academy, the fair once again brought together a wide range of employers, training providers and support organisations under one roof. Each year proves to be bigger and better than the last, with this year’s event showcasing the strong local collaboration between City of Bristol College, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Bristol City Council, other education providers and the voluntary sector in supporting people into work.
The event was organised in partnership with Karin Smyth, who teamed up with the college, Bristol City Council and the DWP to deliver the fair. Also in attendance was Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Employment, who met exhibitors and attendees.
Speaking to Bristol World at the fair, Dame Diana Johnson said: “I’m really keen to make sure people have knowledge and opportunities to find out about good jobs and careers.
“Karin Smyth has been running this jobs fair for 10 years, so I know it’s a well-established one and I wanted to come and see it for myself.
“Also this week it’s National Apprenticeship Week, so I’m particularly focused on making sure young people get access to information about good apprenticeships.”
The fair was first launched a decade ago by Karin Smyth to address barriers faced by local families in accessing employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the city.
Also speaking to Bristol World at the event, Karin Smyth added: “I set this up because there was nothing like it in South Bristol.
“When I became an MP, parents and grandparents said they were fed up of their children and grandchildren trying to get on different buses to go across the city to get apprenticeships and jobs.
“That’s why I said to the college at the time, ‘Let’s make this brilliant building in Hengrove, let’s use it, and I want everyone to come here.
“It was hard work to start off with, but with working with people at the council, the college and the Department for Work and Pensions, I got them all together.
“It started off small and I’m really proud that we’ve kept it going for 10 years.
“We’ve helped hundreds of people, it’s really uplifting, and I think anyone who’s here today will recognise it’s a good atmosphere.
“It’s really hard to start that first job and cross the threshold into work, particularly for young people and if they’ve had a bad experience at school.
“People want you to work and they want you to succeed. By coming face-to-face with people here in a nice atmosphere, you can get that first step on the ladder.”
Over the past decade, the South Bristol Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair has become a key fixture in the local calendar, connecting hundreds of residents with meaningful opportunities and practical support.
The 10th anniversary event not only celebrated that legacy, but also highlighted the continued commitment of partners across Bristol to break down barriers and ensure that local people can access good jobs and career pathways close to home.
