Rushden Lakes Careers Event breaks records and opens doors
The Rushden Lakes Autumn Careers Event, held on October 7, has officially become the busiest recruitment event ever hosted at the venue — a landmark moment for local employment efforts.
Organised by the Rushden Jobcentre Employer Adviser in partnership with The Crown Estate, and supported by dedicated Jobcentre staff, the event drew 613 attendees, including 479 active jobseekers — a 29% increase in overall attendance compared to the previous event.
What made this event stand out?
- Strong turnout: 39% of attendees came via DWP channels, with social media, press coverage, and word of mouth driving additional footfall.
- Diverse employer presence: 11 onsite employers participated, alongside North Northants Council, Northants Police and Fire & Rescue, and service providers Tresham College and the National Careers Service.
- Community engagement: Welcoming The Never Alone Project as Charity of the Year, promoting local volunteering opportunities.
- Real opportunities: 81 live vacancies were available on the day.
- High engagement: 774 meetings took place, with 123 candidates progressing to interviews or trial shifts.
- Immediate impact: At least two confirmed job starts, with more expected as recruitment continues.
Employers praised the face-to-face format for its effectiveness in connecting with candidates — a refreshing change from online applications.
“The summary above gives you the key points, and we’re excited to hear about more job starts in the coming weeks,” said Julie Pritchard, Employer Adviser.
Support for Jobseekers
Jobseekers can explore hundreds of vacancies — including seasonal roles in retail, hospitality, logistics, and care — on the Find a job – GOV.UK website.
Young people and those facing employment barriers can access one-to-one guidance through Youth Employability Coaches, and financial support via the Flexible Support Fund, which helps cover costs such as travel, equipment, and clothing for work or training.
Recent employment statistics show promising progress, especially among the 50 Plus age group, where 5% more people in Rushden and Wellingborough have returned to work compared to this time last year.
National momentum
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, commented: “Over 329,000 more people have moved into work this year already, but today’s figures are exactly why we’re stepping up our plan to Get Britain Working.
"We’ve introduced the most ambitious employment reforms in a generation — modernising jobcentres, expanding youth hubs, and tackling ill-health through stronger partnerships with employers.
"And this week we’re going further by launching an independent investigation to ensure all young people are earning or learning.
"We’re backing businesses to grow and create jobs by cutting red tape, signing trade deals, and securing hundreds of billions in investment — helping make the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year.”