Interest in apprenticeships sky high as thousands flock to recruitment fair

The event organised by Leeds City Council’s employment and skills service returned in person this year, selling out the Leeds First Direct Arena, with 6,200 free tickets being booked ahead of the event.

With 88 employers and training providers exhibiting at the fair, a wide range of sectors were represented including construction, agriculture, health, and care, creative and design, digital, legal, finance and accounting.

The annual event provides a vital opportunity for young people from across Leeds to connect with employers and find out about real live apprenticeship opportunities, as well as giving them access to good quality careers information, advice, and guidance.

To coincide with the event and to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Leeds City Council’s employment and skills service launched a brand-new website http://www.apprenticeshipsinleeds.co.uk/, providing information and opportunities from over 100 organisations across Leeds.

Speaking about the event, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said:

“It is great to see the interest and enthusiasm for apprenticeships across Leeds, shown in the number of young people, parents and carers as well as employers attending Leeds Apprenticeship Fair.

“The event celebrated apprenticeships as the fantastic opportunity they are, for anyone over the age of 16 to further develop their education and training while gaining valuable work experience and earning a salary. The fair provided a true sense of opportunity and highlighted the impact an apprenticeship can have on young people’s careers.

“I would encourage everyone who attended to follow up on the conversations they have had with employers and training providers and utilise the fantastic resources that the employment and skills service has created including the newly launched website. “