The Croydon Careers Fair 2024, held on 5 November at Mosaic East in Croydon, brought together 700 job seekers and students eager to explore career opportunities.
Founded and funded by real estate investment manager Feldberg Capital, the event aligns with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, aimed at creating a positive impact on society and the environment.
Organised in collaboration with Croydon Council and Croydon Works, and supported by the Mayor of London, the event catered to those seeking their first jobs or apprenticeships as well as professionals exploring career changes. The day featured a mix of activities, including career pathway talks, resilience and networking sessions, workshops on CV writing and financial management, and one-to-one career advice and interview preparation.
Over 40 businesses spanning various industries hosted exhibition stands, providing attendees with the chance to engage directly with employers and gain insights into job opportunities. Among the event’s highlights were keynote speeches from the Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, and local entrepreneur Koby Yogaretnam, who inspired attendees with messages of resilience, ambition, and lifelong learning.
Mayor and Local Leaders Address Career Opportunities
Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry emphasised the borough’s entrepreneurial vibrancy, highlighting its 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 12,000 public sector roles, including those in the Home Office, HMRC, NHS, and the Met Police. In his keynote address, Perry stated: “I envision a Croydon where every resident, young or experienced, has the support and resources to pursue a career that inspires them and makes a difference. You are the future of Croydon, and it is important we support you.”
Koby Yogaretnam, a Croydon-based entrepreneur, shared his personal journey of securing his first job at a careers fair, offering practical advice on resilience and motivation. Encouraging attendees to embrace challenges and pursue lifelong learning, Yogaretnam added: “Be bold, experiment, and don’t let fear hold you back from your dreams.”
Positive Outcomes for Attendees
The event saw immediate success, with 16% of attendees securing a job or work-related opportunity on the day. Post-event surveys revealed that over half of the participants found the fair highly beneficial, with 74% planning to follow up with exhibiting companies, including for future work placements.
Jon Cochrane, Director of Asset Management and Sustainability at Feldberg Capital, underscored the event’s importance, particularly for young job seekers. “Job hunting can be daunting, especially for young people leaving education and looking for their first opportunity. We are delighted to have founded the Croydon Careers Fair. It’s an important community event that offers practical advice in a supportive environment, forming part of our commitment to ensure buildings we manage contribute to the local areas where they are located,” Cochrane said.
A Step Towards Fulfilling Croydon’s Potential
Jason Perry reiterated the event’s role in supporting Croydon’s residents: “It is my priority that people in Croydon have opportunities to learn, thrive and fulfil their potential, and are given the right support to access training and jobs. We are hugely grateful to all those who helped to deliver the Careers Fair. It was a productive and informative day, and we wish all those who attended every success for the future.”
Chris Barker of Croydon Works also reflected on the event’s impact: “Attendance at the event exceeded our expectations. There is no doubt that job seekers appreciate the opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential employers, and it was great to see so many people making contacts and joining in the practical sessions.”
