FOREST Inspiration is launching its annual Forest Careers Fair in a bid to inspire young job seekers.

Forest MP Mark Harper will be opening the fair which has already attracted more than 50 local employers to participate including: TABS Training, Versarien, SSP Pumps, forestmeansbusiness, Simplicity, The Warranty Group, Griffiths Marshall and National Careers Service to name a few.

The fair is designed to encourage and develop career opportunities for those living in the Forest and showcase what job opportunities are avaliable. Businesses will be running workshops and seminars, as well as offering careers advice along with training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Tom Atkinson, Chairman of Forest Inspiration and Simplicity, said: "We're delighted to be an integral part of this programme which is designed to help support the next generation get into employment."

Martin Scrivens, the Learning & Development General Manager for The Warranty Group, explains: "We strive to reach out to the public and make them aware that they have a rewarding career path with us here in the Forest. It is gratifying to see other employers participating in the Forest Inspiration, together with Gloucestershire College and local schools to ensure that the message is sent loud and clear that there are real opportunities for employment close to where people live."

Forest Inspiration's founder and employment & learning adviser at TABS Training, Ruth Ward, commented: "This is a fantastic chance for local workers and students alike to get their foot in the door with large national and international companies without having to leave the Forest of Dean".

The fair will be at Lydney Town Hall on Friday, April 26.