A daring Whitehaven jobseeker has attracted widespread attention with an unusual method of self-publicity. 

In a bid to find work, Andy Blackburn, of High Meadows, stood outside a national conference in Manchester last week wearing a whiteboard listing his qualifications. 

The 36-year-old says he has paid out thousands of pounds for training over the past few years. 

His trip to Total Decom, a strategic event for the decommissioning industries, gave him the chance to promote himself and make a good impression on potential employers. 

Andy said: "I just want a starting opportunity."

He chatted to delegates as they entered the conference. 

He added: "It was just friendly banter. 

“People going to the conference would come across to speak to me. They were intrigued." 

His tactics attracted attention from business officials, including representatives from Britain’s Energy Coast who mentioned him in a presentation. 

Subsequently, he was invited to tour the venue, speak to officials and hand out his CV. 

“They were very hospitable. Everyone knew who I was,” he said. 

Andy says he is looking for a job in engineering. 

He previously worked as a neighbourhood warden for Home Housing, before becoming a police community support officer for the Greater Manchester Police. 

After that he worked for Warrington Council. Andy says he moved back to Whitehaven about three years ago to care for his mother, Cecelia, who has Alzheimer's disease. 

Since then he has spent more than £5,000 on training. 

He said: “I have a willingness to learn and have paid for training courses at my own expense with no financial assistance from governing bodies.

“I have got disillusioned with contacting companies and not getting any positive response, with no experience. I offer my free time for experience but again I cannot find any one to find the time to accommodate me on this basis.” 

He says he doesn’t want to move away for work as he wants to spend time with his mother Cecelia. 

He added: “Given that Sellafield is regarded as the most complex nuclear site in the world and surely it must have arguably the highest concentration of engineering companies in its supply chain in Britain it is baffling how I cannot get an opportunity.

"Being a local person, it would be nice if there was a positive outcome from my efforts as I am highly employable and have a very good skill set."