HUNDREDS of jobseekers visited The Gazette Job Scene Roadshow on Wednesday - making it a fifth successful year for the event.

The roadshow featured exhibitors from more than 25 different industry sectors.

Companies that were represented on the day included nuclear deterrent contractor AWE plc, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), CITB Construction Skills, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Magistrates Court, Jobcentre Plus, the Ministry of Defence Police HQ, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, South West Trains, Festival Place shopping centre and Gazette Newspapers.

There was also an array of recruitment agencies, including Barker Personnel, Kelly Services and Office Angels.

It wasn't just about recruiting, as the roadshow also attracted training providers such as the Teacher Training Agency, and educational establishments like The Loddon School.

And help and advice was on hand with business start-up clinics and CV reviewing and advice.

With more jobs than ever on offer, this year's show made an ideal setting for job-seekers to browse the local job market.

The relaxed atmosphere meant that, as well as handing in CVs, filling out applications and on-the-spot interviews, visitors were also able to have a no-obligation chat with those who know their industries best. This enabled them to get a feel for the various career paths that may suit them and the wide-ranging roles within them.

Advice from exhibition staff made the day worthwhile for those thinking of changing career or youngsters thinking about their future.

Sixteen-year-old Henry Alp, from Oak Farm School, Farnborough, visited with his school friends. He said: "Our school careers adviser recommended that we come to have a look around, to think about our future after school.

"It's been really helpful and we're taking lots of information home."

Emily Allwright, who recently moved to Oakridge, Basingstoke, from Kentucky, in the US, said: "It's great. I've met a lot of really helpful people who have looked at my CV and it has made me a lot more confident in applying for jobs."

Exhibitors were pleased with their success, too. Festival Place events and promotions manager Marie Kemshall said: "We have a lot of opportunities at Festival Place, especially in housekeeping, security and office-based roles.

"We've taken a lot of contact details from people interested in working at the various retailers and restaurants, but there's more to retail than the shops - so much goes on behind the scenes."

Gail Savage, recruitment and retention adviser for Basingstoke hospital, said: "The great thing about this roadshow is that the people who come through the doors are from all walks of life - they may be interested in becoming a cleaner or working in senior management."

Ruth Cooper, Gazette Newspapers' classifieds manager, said: "This year's event seemed really popular again, and it has been non-stop for the exhibitors."

Toby Fielder, exhibitions manager for roadshow organiser TJW, said: "The Basingstoke event is the longest-established of the one-day roadshows that we run and it is really popular. I think this is partly due to the fact that the stands are so interactive, and exhibition staff are great at getting people interested in the jobs on offer."