The North of England’s largest apprenticeship recruitment fair is set to return to Leeds this February, bringing together employers, training providers and thousands of potential applicants under one roof.
Taking place at Leeds’s First Direct Bank Arena on Wednesday 11 February 2026, the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair will run from 1pm to 7pm. Organised by Leeds City Council, the event is free to attend, with visitors encouraged to book a ticket in advance. More than 100 employers and training providers are expected to take part, offering face-to-face advice and information on live apprenticeship vacancies across Leeds and the wider region. The fair welcomed over 11,000 visitors last year.
Opportunities will span 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 and protective services, alongside 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.”
Visitors will also be able to learn more about the different apprenticeship routes available — including higher and degree apprenticeships and gain a clearer understanding of what apprenticeships involve and how they work.
Among those to have benefited from the event is Rosie Rudolph, 25, who attended the fair while considering her next steps. After starting university, she decided within two months that it wasn’t the right path for her. She went on to complete a solicitor apprenticeship and has since secured a career that suits her ambitions. Rosie Rudolph 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.”
Exhibitors due to attend this year include Asda, CML, Equans, the Bank of England, Nestlé 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.
Attendance is open to all, with the event aimed at school leavers, college students, graduates, career changers and anyone interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities. Tickets are available to book online in advance at www.universe.com
