Those looking to improve their skills, or move into a new caree area, can find out more at the Tendring Jobs and Careers Fair in October.

Organised by Tendring District Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Jobs and Careers Fair is a showcase of vacancies and potential career opportunities from employers in the local and wider area.

Among the stands at the event, taking place at Clacton Town Hall on October 2 from 10am to 4pm, is ALM Training – which is also bringing its virtual reality trailer so people can have a go at driving a digger and other tasks in the simulator.

ALM Training is also offering two training courses worth £500 each for free, which are up for grabs at the fair.

Nova Training will also be in attendance with its three-quarter size Formula One car model – testing people to see how quickly they can change a tyre in the pit stop challenge.

Aside from the hundreds of jobs on offer from prospective employers, there will also be details of a range of qualifications, training schemes, voluntary positions and apprenticeships for those looking for their next steps.

Zoe Fairley, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Investment and Growth, said the approach to employment had to be about more than just jobs.

“This event is fantastic not only as a way of getting people into work, but also to help people develop skills longer-term,” she said said.

“Reducing unemployment benefits the whole local economy, but it is not just about matching up people to jobs, but looking at what skills gaps there are and making sure there is training – in whatever form that might take – to help address that gap.

“Our fair also has an important focus on careers, looking at how people may find a role for life and not just for the next few months or years, which is vital for sustainability.

“I would encourage anyone looking for a job, or considering a change of role, to put the date in their diary and come along.”

For more information visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/jobsfair or find the event Facebook page @tendringjobsandcareersfair – which also details some current vacancies.

A free shuttle bus will run to the event from Harwich, Jaywick Sands and Dovercourt.

The Tendring Jobs and Careers Fair is sponsored by Affinity Water, Electric Center, Galloper Wind Farm, Harwich Haven Authority, Horizon Construction, Hughes Electrical, Surya Foods, Surya Hotels, Red7Marine and Rose Builders.