Local employers and companies including Center Parcs, McVities, North Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Persimmon Homes, British Army, Armstrong Watson, Story Decorating, and Pirelli were in attendance to meet residents looking for work, apprenticeships, or a change of career.

Commenting on this year’s event, Mr Stevenson said: "As we continue to recover from the pandemic, it’s vital we help give local people the opportunity to find new careers, get back into work or find the right job for them, and I am grateful to all those who are supporting this important event.”

In a video posted to Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "John is a great local champion for better jobs and skills training and his annual skills fair at Carlisle College, now in its ninth year, is a fantastic example of businesses and training providers in the local community coming together to boost local opportunities."

Carlisle College Principal Sarah McGrath added: “I am extremely proud to be hosting the Carlisle Skills Fair here at Carlisle College again this year. This event is crucial for the local region and it’s great for our learners to get to speak to local employers and see what opportunities are out there.

“We work hard to offer education and skills training that meets the skills needs of our employer partners in Carlisle and across our wider region, supporting our local economy and helping our learners to find real employment opportunities. This event supports that work."