Job fairs to provide support to Honda workers ahead of plant’s closure

The Honda and Supply Chain Coordinating Steering Group, led by Swindon Borough Council, has been working on a number of activities designed to help employees affected by the closure of the car manufacturer’s South Marston factory next month.

The National Careers Service, on behalf of the steering group, are delivering a number of career events using its knowledge and expertise, the first two of which are virtual and taking place next Wednesday (June 30) and on 14 July.

Nigel Sandford-Henderson, Head of the National Careers Service, said: “National Careers Service has been working in partnership with a range of local partners and have been pleased to support those affected by the closure of the Honda plant, providing free and impartial Information, advice and guidance. 

“Our professional careers advisers have been able to provide the latest labour market information, to ensure that well-informed decisions are made and individuals are able to take the most appropriate next step for them. Helping people to explore both employment and learning opportunities.”

It is hoped that future careers events can be delivered face-to-face in September in a town centre location, but this is reliant upon national restrictions at the time.

The job fairs will focus on local employers with vacancies in the construction, logistics and manufacturing sectors which the National Careers Service hope will be beneficial to Honda and supply chain employees, but will also be open to all local residents.

Recruiters include:

• Adecco
• Hills Group
• Amazon Warehouse
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• XPO Logistics
• 911 Staffing

Alongside the virtual jobs fairs, business start-up experts Outset are currently hosting a virtual self-employment fair that will last until July 15 for those looking to start their own business.

All of the sessions will be recorded and, once the fair has ended, the sessions will be available to watch again for anyone not able to attend.

Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council and co-chair of the National Honda Task Force, said: “An awful lot of work has taken place with employees of both Honda and the wider supply chain in order to prepare them for life after the factory closes.

“This has included providing careers advice and access to training but we are committed to continuing that support after Honda leaves.

“We have a strong economy here in Swindon and I would encourage any Honda workers who may still be undecided on their next career path to log on to the job fairs and see the many excellent opportunities that are out there.”