Street entertainers are swapping music and magic for CVs and interview tips to offer help to Middlesbrough jobseekers.

learndirect has launched the roadshow to help give people in the town the skills needed to get back into work.  Locals will be entertained by the free live performances and get handy tips to tackle common issues when looking for jobs – including writing a CV, interview tips and how to prepare for an interview.

The event takes place following the launch of a new report by learndirect – Work ready? Get fit for the job – which shows how jobseekers don’t have a good understanding of the types of skills employers are looking for.

The Hope Foundation is hoping the roadshow will encourage people to think about how getting the right skills could help them improve their job prospects.

Sue Kearney from the Hope Foundation said: “People in Middlesbrough who are looking for work know how difficult it can be to get across their skills to prospective employers. We’re hoping the learndirect roadshow will be a fun event for local people which will provide them with some handy hints for getting that dream job.

“At learndirect we can help people in Middlesbrough to brush up on their skills and qualifications, which can boost confidence levels and improve career prospects.”

Dave Taylor, one of the roadshow performers, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the learndirect roadshow to Middlesbrough, meeting local people and sharing our passion for getting people back into work.  We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing employability skills to life and proving that things like job interviews and writing a CV definitely don’t have to be scary.”

The learndirect roadshow takes place in the pedestrian area where Linthorpe Road and Corporation Road cross on Friday, 25 May 2012 from 10.00am to 4pm.

To find out how you can get the skills you want and get qualifications in maths, English, IT and more, contact the Hope Foundation on 01642 232220 or visit www.learndirect.co.uk.