A number of the region’s 'largest employers' are set to support the 2025 Carlisle Skills Fair.

Hosted by former MP John Stevenson, the fair will take place on Thursday, January 23, at Carlisle College.

The event has drawn thousands of young people and job seekers over the years.

Mr Stevenson said: "It is important to demonstrate to young people that they don't have to move away in order to gain the skills and training to be able to get a good job or a foot on the career ladder.

"There are so many opportunities for them right here on their doorstep.

"That's why I am so pleased to have been able to establish Carlisle Skills Fair as an annual event.

"It's fantastic that people in Carlisle and the wider Cumbria, can access local training and job opportunities under one roof.

"However, none of this would be possible without the continued support of local organisations, training providers and both the big and small companies we have in and around Carlisle."

The main sponsors of the skills fair are Persimmon, Pladis, Borderbrite, and the Cumberland Building Society.

Mark Ebdon, factory general manager at Pladis’ Carlisle bakery, known for Carr’s and McVities brands, said: "As a major employer in Carlisle, we are delighted to be a primary sponsor of the 11th Annual Carlisle Skills Fair.

"Our Carr’s bakery is the oldest biscuit factory in the world, and we are continuing to invest in the site, most recently investing in a new roof and sprinkler system.

"There are a wide variety of roles available with employers in Carlisle and so we’d love people to come along and learn about the opportunities on offer to help us protect our 195-year heritage in Carlisle.”

Helen Anderson, people attraction coordinator from the Cumberland Building Society, said: "Being involved in the annual skills fair is something we're really proud of.

"To think about how many people have attended these events over more than a decade and benefited from conversations, not just with us, but all the organisations involved is testament to the opportunities available in the region as well as the talent we have here."