APPRENTICES from BMW’s Mini Plant in Cowley are among those helping job hunters at Oxford Town Hall today.

Eighteen-year-old Lauren Todd, a first-year logistics trainee with the car manufacturer, urged people to go to the Oxford Times’ Jobs Fair, which runs until 5pm.

She said: “All of us here on the BMW stand today are apprentices and can give a real perspective of what’s on offer.”

Thirty five employers are recruiting at the fair, including Oxford University Trust, NHS Foundation Trust, The RAF, Army Careers, Thames Valley Police,

Laura Church and Sue Mortimer of children’s nursery operator Bright Horizons said they were “sending out an SOS on behalf of working parents across Oxfordshire”.

The duo are looking to recruit for the firm’s daycare centres in Cowley, Summertown, Witney, Abingdon and Didcot.

Miss Church said: “We are busier than ever in Oxfordshire and have waiting lists for most of our nurseries, so parents really need us.

“We need to recruit more nursery staff to keep up with demand.”Supercamps, which runs holiday activity clubs for children, wants to hear from people who are passionate about baking, science or crafts to help run activities during the school holidays.

Melissa Haynes joined the Army when she was 19 and has since qualified as a mechanic, tank and HGV driver.

The 22-year-old from Grove said: “People think the army’s all about combat but we have a really broad range of roles available.”

Jobseeker Paul Williams was at the fair this morning looking for a new role after his previous work contract came to an end.

The 34-year-old from Barton said: “It’s a bit daunting thinking about coming to something like this but once you are here you just get talking to people and it’s really helpful.

“There are quite a few stalls here which have grabbed my attention.”

After 20 years in the building trade, Jason Howlett [ok] is looking for a new career.

The 44-year-old from Berensfield, who lost his job after the firm he worked for went bust, said: “I’m considering applying for retail jobs now, which is something I hadn’t thought about before.

“My advice to anyone who’s unsure is ‘Get down here and have a look’.

Louisa Robinson, senior field care supervisor with Mary Knowles Homecare said she was seeing “a steady stream” of job hunters.

The Cowley-based firm is looking to recruit part-time and full-time carers to work with elderly people around Oxfordshire.

Others recruiting include learning disabilities charity Style Acre, Gundon Waste Management and event sponsors Day and Nightcare Assistance.

Job fair co-ordinator Ravinder Pal-Hampton said she was “delighted” with the response.

She said: “Turnout has been brilliant so far and we are getting plenty of positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors.

“The majority of those looking say they are impressed with the wide variety of jobs on offer.”

The Oxford Times job fair runs until 5pm this evening. Entry is free.