A jobs fair in New Brighton next month will give young people in Wirral the opportunity to make sense of the fast-changing jobs market by meeting recruiters face-to-face alongside practical AI workshops.

The Floral Pavilion (Image: Wirral Council)

The event, taking place at the Floral Pavilion on March 5, will feature practical AI sessions showing 16 to 25 year olds how to sharpen their CVs, define career goals and prepare for interviews.

Organised by Wirral Council and funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the event is aimed at anyone aged 16 to 25 weighing up work, apprenticeships or trainings.

They say the workshops will “bring an extra dimension to the event” and “make AI work for you” at a time when big decisions about education and employment can feel overwhelming.

Attendees will also be able to meet employers and training providers from across sectors including construction, housing, public services, education, policing and the armed forces. The day offers a direct route into apprenticeships, work experience, entry level roles and further education options.

This comes after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of unemployment lifted to 5.2% in the three months to December, up from 5.1% in the three months to November.

This was the highest since the three months to January 2021, and outside of the pandemic era, it marks the highest since the autumn of 2015.

Experts said young workers were among the hardest hit, with almost one in six left without a job.

The push to teach AI skills reflects a growing shift in job hunting. For many young people trying to get a foot on the ladder, learning how to use AI confidently could be just as important in standing out as meeting employers face-to-face.

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: “These jobs fairs have proven to be hugely successful in connecting people looking for work and training with those seeking staff or offering training and education.

Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council (Image: Wirral Council)

“This time using the latest AI tools will bring an extra dimension to the event, helping young people use the latest technological tools to help them get ahead.

“I would urge any young person looking to get their first step on the careers ladder, get into education or find training and apprenticeships to come along see how they can get help making that step into their career.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said: “I’d encourage any young person unsure about their next steps in employment, education or training to come down to this jobs fair and find out more about the opportunities open to them.

“Deciding what’s right for you is hugely challenging and the more information you can access the more informed your decision will be.

“This Fair also offers the chance to find out more about how to make AI work for you, skills that will only become more important in the coming years.”

The Launchpad Jobs and Careers Fair runs from 11 am to 2 pm, while the AI workshops run hourly between 10 am and 2 pm and must be booked in advance by emailing economicgrowthservice@wirral.gov.uk.

A Quiet Hour from 10 am to 11 am is available for those who prefer a calmer environment.

Wirral Council jobs fair event (Image: Wirral Council)