Yorkshire’s biggest apprenticeship fair returns to the arena for 2017

Over 120 national and regional employers will be heading to Leeds this March for the biggest apprenticeship recruitment fair in the Yorkshire and Humber region as it returns for 2017.

The event will take place on Monday 6 March at the first direct Arena from 4-8pm, marking the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

Supported by LeedsBID (Business Improvement District ), the fair will offer a range of exciting apprenticeship opportunities in sectors such as financial services, health and care, retail and leisure, travel and tourism, sports, arts and the media, and engineering, manufacturing and construction. Amongst those employers set to feature in the March event are Jaguar Land Rover, the NHS, Leeds City Council, British Telecom, Aldi, Marriott Hotel, Jet2.com, ITV and many more.

Last year’s event attracted over 5,000 people, with the recruitment fair offering the perfect opportunity for young people, parents and carers to find out more about the opportunities available, which lead to a paid job offering quality training. There is no requirement to book a place at the event, with people able to just turn up on the day.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for employment, skills and opportunity said:

“The apprenticeship fair was a huge success last year, and we want to replicate and build on that success this year.

“We already have a number of leading employers in the city signed up to the event, all of whom will be offering live apprenticeships on the night, so I would encourage any young person thinking about attending to bring along their CV.”

“Due to the success of the event last year, we have added an extra hour onto the event to allow even more young people to take advantage of finding out more about the opportunities that are available to them to further their skills and obtain a job or apprenticeship.”

Andrew Cooper, LeedsBID Chief Executive said:

“LeedsBID is delighted to be investing in this important event for the city, helping to highlight the opportunities apprenticeships can provide for young people as well as the range and quality available in Leeds.”

“A key part of our work is liaising with all organisations on the city’s skills agenda, looking at stimulating and supporting business interest in training such as apprenticeships to improve employment opportunities, and then working to ensure we retain skills and talent in the city.”

“We have recently employed an apprentice as part of the LeedsBID team and are looking at the possibility of recruiting a second, and would encourage both employers and those looking for employment to seriously consider what an apprenticeship can offer both individuals and businesses.”

For more information about the event visit www.leeds.gov.uk/leedspathways or follow the Leeds Apprenticeship Hub @LeedsAppHub on Facebook and Twitter.

For media enquiries, please contact;Cat Lindley, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 57567Email: Catherine.lindley@leeds.gov.uk