A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched at a popular Cheshire attraction, with 28 new jobs available.

Between now and August 2024, Jodrell Bank is looking to more than double its team as the site prepares to open a new building this summer.

The First Light Pavilion opens at the UNESCO World Heritage Site later this year and is expected to attract thousands more visitors to Jodrell Bank.

New roles will be available across the management, engagement, facilities, retail, catering, front of house and administration teams.

Teresa Anderson, director at Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, said: “As we extend our visitor offer, we’re thrilled at the prospect of also growing our team.

"It’s a great time to join us as we re-emerge from the pandemic with a new world-class attraction and an exciting future ahead of us.

"We’re opening up new and varied roles right across the organisation so we’re especially looking forward to welcoming applicants from a wide range of different backgrounds.”

The First Light Pavilion is at the heart of a £21.5m development, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will open up the heritage of Jodrell Bank.

Visitors will be able to learn the stories of its pioneering scientists and their ground-breaking feats of science and engineering.

The building will also housing a new permanent exhibition, an auditorium for planetarium-style shows, and a temporary exhibitions gallery and café. 

Joe Manning, deputy chief executive of the Cheshire & Warrington LEP and chief executive of Marketing Cheshire, said: “This is great news for Cheshire’s tourism industry, especially after the difficulties we’ve all faced over the last two years.

"It’s so heartening to see such a wealth of new opportunity arising at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire’s very own World Heritage Site.

"Jodrell’s impressive new First Light Pavilion and the wide-reaching opportunities that it brings, is a real boost for the county, helping us re-ignite the visitor economy over the next few years.”

Recruitment has already begun and applications are now open for several roles including exhibition and auditorium technicians, visitor services assistants, explainers, and hospitality catering assistants.

Later in the months the team will seek a group bookings officers and a new executive assistant as well as launching its annual seasonal casual recruitment drive. More jobs are set to open up later in the year.

There are also volunteering opportunities at Jodrell Bank, with a new programme being launched later in the spring.

Volunteers can get involved by supporting work in the Jodrell Bank Arboretum, at bluedot and other events, in public engagement activities and front of house and visitor welcome roles.

Jodrell Bank is part of The University of Manchester and all new positions will be advertised on The University’s website at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/