Wolverhampton jobs fair attracts hundreds of applicants
More than 200 jobs and apprenticeships are on offer at a jobs fair in Wolverhampton.
Jaguar Land Rover, National Express and Marstons are among 29 companies at the event at Molineux football ground, which is open to 18 to 25 year olds.
The city has the third highest rate of unemployment in the West Midlands.
Paul Uppal, Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West, said more than 300 people had gone through in the first hour.
He said jobs were out there despite the return to recession.
"We saw the figures yesterday and it's important that people take the long view," he said.
"We know things are not too great with the economy, but there is a danger of talking ourselves down.
"There are opportunities out there and people need to know that."
People were queuing around the football ground to get in, he added.
In February, a major work experience drive for young people was held in the city through firms and the public sector.
Labour's Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said his constituency was the 14th highest for unemployment out of 650 constituencies across the UK.
There are 3,750 people currently claiming jobseeker's allowance in the city, government figures show.
Rachel Jones, from Angel Springs, a nationwide water cooler supplier with a major base in the Black Country, said the company was offering four jobs at the event as it was expanding.
"We recently hit every sales target we had, which is something we have never done before so we're really very proud of that.
"We're taking people on because we're expanding and a growing company.
"The first thing that happens in a recession is firms cut their sales team.
"But our managing director kept belief in the team and invested more money in sales and we are now reaping the benefits."
Organisers are planning another jobs fair for a wider age range, Mr Uppal said.