Major apprenticeship fair returns this February

Showcasing opportunities from a wide range of employers in Leeds and across the region, the fair welcomed over 11,000 visitors last year.

Running from 1pm-7pm, the event, which is organised by Leeds City Council, is completely free but booking a ticket beforehand is advised.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about the different types of apprenticeships, what they involve and how they work, including higher and degree apprenticeships.  

Rosie, 25, is one of many people who found their perfect fit at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair.

She has just completed a solicitor apprenticeship, but initially attended university for two months before deciding that it wasn’t right for her.

She said: “I went to a school that really pushed going to university […], there was no sort of advertisement about what apprenticeships existed and what was on offer.

“I got to university and realised that the traditional style of learning just wasn’t for me anymore, and I wanted to get some hands-on experience in the career that I wanted to do.”

By speaking directly with over 100 employers and training providers at the fair, anyone interested in apprenticeships can get advice and find out about live vacancies.

Exhibitors include major Leeds employers and training providers from a wide range of sectors, including accounting, business and administration, catering and hospitality, construction, creative design, care services, digital, education, engineering, finance, hair and beauty, health, law, protective services and many more. 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Apprenticeships provide a brilliant direct route into a wide range of careers, by offering hands-on learning and degree-level qualifications.

“Leeds as a city continues to grow and so does the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, attracting more employers and visitors each year.

“Anyone who is considering doing an apprenticeship, or is interested to learn more, should stop by on 11 February and speak to employers and their apprentices.”

Exhibitors attending include Asda, CML, Equans, Bank of England, Nestle UK&I Ltd, Blacks Solicitors, The Royal Navy, The Royal Air Force, Lloyds Banking Group, Leeds Building Society, West Yorkshire Police, Kirk Newsholme, The Coders Guild, Jet2 and Leeds College of Building.

The event takes place at the Leeds first direct bank arena on Wednesday 11 February 2026, between 1 pm and 7 pm. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. Tickets are available to book online in advance at: https://bit.ly/larf26.

ENDS