Two major jobs and advice events designed to get West Midlands residents back into work, and culminating in a free two-day event at Villa Park, were today announced by the LDV Taskforce.

The Taskforce is a multi-agency body involving Birmingham City Council, Jobcentre Plus, Advantage West Midlands, The Learning and Skills Council, Accelerate and Solihull Council, set up to support local citizens affected by the economic downturn.

The FUTURES 'jobs for Birmingham and the West Midlands' event will be staged at Villa Park on 24th and 25th July, and see employers from across the West Midlands advertising  jobs and giving those who attend the chance to apply there and then.

As well as promoting available jobs, the event will also offer visitors free careers, benefits, debt management and training advice.

Cllr Neville Summerfield, Chairman of the LDV Taskforce, said: "Not only will this event bring a wide range of support and advice services together in one place, but crucially it will see exhibitors attending who genuinely have jobs available here and now, to which they want to recruit from those who attend.

"This means there is a very real possibility for some of those attending that by the following day they may find themselves in employment as a direct result. I'd therefore implore anyone in the West Midlands who is seeking work, or wants advice on how to manage their personal affairs during these testing times to get over to Villa Park to see all that will be on offer."

Jon Wright, District Manager from Jobcentre Plus said: "The Futures event highlights the continuing commitment of all the partner organisations involved in the Taskforce to offer help and support to the local community, to help them get back into work.  The event will attract employers from a wide range of sectors and people attending the event will have the chance to find out more about the jobs on offer and to meet potential employers.  Everyone is welcome and we would urge people to come along and find out more."

Thousands of visitors are expected at Villa Park, which will follow-on from a earlier event also announced today to be held at Ward End Park, Washwood Heath, on 19th July.

Combining a family fun day, featuring bouncy castles, food and drink and local artists, with free advice and support on issues such as health, benefits and jobs, the BIG LUNCH will be a free event open from 11am - 5pm.

The FUTURES event is being staged at the Trinity Suite at Villa Park, and will be open from 10am to 4pm, on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July. Free crèche facilities and parking will be available on site.

Employers across the West Midlands with jobs available who wish to get involved in the event are invited to contact Birmingham City Council for more details by e-mailing hazel.evans@birmingham.gov.uk