Hundreds of people looking for work were spoilt for choice at South Holland Centre where an employment fair was held on Tuesday.
More than 30 employers, including Spalding-based Bakkavor, Fowler Welch and University Academy Holbeach, met jobseekers desperate for their first pay packet to offer advice on finding work.
Jobs Opportunity Fair, organised by South Holland District Council and Jobcentre Plus, drew about 450 people and left both employers and organisers pleased with its success.
Stuart Picksley, HR adviser for Fowler Welch, said: “As one of the largest employers in Spalding, we’re regular exhibitors at the jobs fair.
“I thought this year’s event was very well-organised, quite a lot of people came through the doors and there was a lot of interest shown in our firm.”
Anita Howard, business development manager for Boston College, said: “We looked at potential apprenticeships with people, gave them advice about courses offered in Spalding and, we hope, helped people into employment.
“There was a real buzz about the place and we had a positive response from the people we spoke to.”
The event built upon the success of two similar fairs held in Spalding last April and in Holbeach in October 2011.
South Holland District Council cabinet member Coun Rodney Grocock said: “It was a tremendous success and the council’s economic development team did a really good job in organising it.
“In the first 15 minutes alone, about 155 people came through the doors who were seeking work in the South Holland area and that just shows how much the event has grown over the years.”