Matthew SparkesStudents, jobseekers and those looking for a career change have been talking to a range of employers under one roof at a jobs fair in Norwich.Matthew Sparkes

Students, jobseekers and those looking for a career change have been talking to a range of employers under one roof at a jobs fair in Norwich.

The ninth annual Jobs24 Fair began yesterday in the Forum and continues until 3pm today.

It is a chance to find out more about jobs at some of Norfolk's biggest companies in the week that the emergency budget predicted unemployment would hit 8pc this year.

As well as event sponsors Aviva, there are stalls from Williams Lea, Hales Group, Marsh, Allied Healthcare and Business Link among others.

Sgt Carl Rice of the Royal Anglians, who grew up in Norwich and went to Hewett High School, was at the fair offering advice for those looking to join the army.

'We've got 144 jobs on offer in the army, which is a wide spectrum. We've got all sorts of people,' he said.

'It's stability. You sign up for a minimum of four years and you're guaranteed a job for how long you sign up for.'

Also at the event was Vikki Bennett from City College Norwich, who said that there was a huge amount of training options despite the recession.

'Lots of people aren't working at the moment and they're looking for training. On the apprenticeship side we're finding that's where there are more opportunities,' she said.

'We've actually got more apprenticeships that we're advertising than ever before. It offers them the chance to work and learn at the same time.'

Jonathan Wright, 17, from Loddon, is studying at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, in Gorleston, and was at the fair yesterday.

'I'm going to go straight to work for at least a year, then if I need to go to uni after that then I will,' he said.

'I'm not really sure about what I want to do at the moment. I've spoken to construction training specialists and Aviva.'

He admitted that the economy was 'not in good shape' but that he was optimistic about finding work.

The fair also offered 'so you want to be...' careers meetings for those undecided about their options.

For all the latest jobs, log on to www.jobs24.co.uk