A JOB fair offered a diverse range of opportunities to hundreds of Oxford job seekers as it marked its sixth year.

Nearly 400 people looking for work attended the event in Rose Hill Community Centre on Thursday, which included representatives from some of the best known businesses in the country.

Representatives from John Lewis, Primark, TK Maxx and a range of other top companies were on hand to talk with visitors about employment opportunities in the area.

The fair was organised by social enterprise Aspire in conjunction with Oxford City Council and Jobcentre Plus.

Chief executive officer Paul Roberts said: “We were very happy. The event was vibrant and very well attended. It was really nice to have some new big name employers like John Lewis, Primark and Pret a Manger. It’s good to have some diversity to keep it fresh.

“The job fair is really for anybody at any stage of employment. There may be people who are underemployed and want to change career or there may be people who are unemployed who want to move towards a career. Regardless of where people are at there’s something for them.”

As well as employers, representatives from 12 support agencies and education providers were on hand throughout the day.

Disability charities, refugee charities, and young people’s support services from the county council brought along people looking for employment.

Mr Roberts continued: “I think this was the most diverse event we’d had. There are certain groups of men and women who more often than not just don’t get through the online application stage and its helpful if employers can see them engage.

“A refugee, for example, may not have great online literacy, but skills in customer service, and it’s hard to convey that in an online application.”

Aspire will work with employers represented at the fair and find out how many people were offered interviews, and how many out of that group went on to find employment.

Mr Roberts said: “I’m confident we’re making an impact. There are so many options. Maybe the first time somebody comes to the fair they took on a training course, and then the second time they get a work placement.

"The atmosphere was very positive. There were loads of people engaging and it was very relaxed.”

For more information on Aspire visit aspireoxford.co.uk