Wales’ largest employers are stepping up their support for skillscymru as the countdown continues for Wales’ largest-ever careers and skills event at the Millennium Stadium on 16-18 September.

Steel company Corus, aircraft design and manufacturing company Airbus and Control Techniques, a leading manufacturer of variable speed drive and power conversion technologies, are each putting their weight behind the event which aims to inform visitors about existing and emerging career opportunities in Wales.

Their support will help people of all ages in Wales to capitalise on job opportunities as visitors at the free-to-enter educational and skills sessions will be able to meet managers and trainees from the companies.

Supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Social Fund (ESF), skillscymru will feature over 100 employers, colleges, Sector Skills Councils and training providers.

It is part of a major push by the Assembly Government to aid the country’s recovery from the economic downturn and is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.

Visitors can expect to take part in various job-related interactive demonstrations and master-classes across a range of fields including engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, IT, the media, retail, construction, hospitality, cookery, and sport and fitness.

Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths, said: “skillscymru is an excellent opportunity for the Assembly Government, employers, and the education sectors to join forces to help people in Wales and aid the nation’s fight back against the economic downturn.

“Employers will have a unique chance to showcase their enterprises and raise awareness of the jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities they can offer, as well as meeting potential employees and trainees of all ages from across Wales.

“Wales is leading the way post-recession by promoting the learning of new skills. skillscymru is a key strand in our strategy to offset a recessionary rise in unemployment, while helping fulfil the Assembly Government’s One Wales commitment to skills,” she added.

David Vineall, HR Director at Corus Strip Products UK explains: “We, like many companies, have been severely affected by the recession. And working together with the Welsh Assembly Government we have been able to retain and even improve skills-levels as an investment for the future. Vital to success in the recovery is going to be the capability and competence of the workforce.

“The company has invested over £100 million in new plant and technology in the South Wales steel industry. Not only does every penny represent a vote of confidence in the industry, but it represents a world of opportunities for fulfilling careers for local people.”

Mark Stewart, HR Director and Country Manager at Airbus in the UK said: “At Airbus, we know that, in order to stay at the top, we need not only to recruit the very best but also to maximise our employees’ skills and potential. To this end, we provide a huge range of career development opportunities, including regular reviews and personal development strategies, to enable each individual to plan their future with us.

“By attending skillscymru we hope to further develop the heart of our business – our people. All businesses whether public or private, big or small should take advantage of the facilities on offer at skillscymru, and maximise the potential to attract new blood into their work force. Where is better to find a host of proactive job seekers than at skillscymru?”