A MAJOR health and social care careers festival is being held in Newport on Wednesday, September 18.

The event at Lord Louis Library has been organised to help potential new recruits learn more about working in the health and social care sector.

Between 10am and 2pm, attendees will be able to ask questions and meet those already working in the sector.

The festival will also allow visitors to find out about current vacancies, flag their interest and have a first interview.

Isle of Wight Council and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust will be among the Island organisations advertising roles and work opportunities.

Private and independent care and health providers from across the Isle of Wight will also be present.

More than 800 people visited the festival last year, with interviews and job offers given throughout the event.

Cllr Debbie Andre, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "A career in care and health offers a great deal of reward, not just from the impact you can have on the lives of people living in our community, but also from the professional development, amazing co-workers, career progression and great employee benefits available."

Teresa Gaudion, learning, development and careers lead at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “There are over 350 careers in the NHS, ranging from estates and facilities, nursing, health care sciences, medicine and more.

"Attending career fairs is a great way for us to meet with people to share more information about how they can start a career in the NHS and to be able to develop our workforce for the future.”