Major new 'Careers in Leeds' fair to take over First Direct Bank Arena next month
A major new city-wide careers showcase bringing together more than 100 top regional employers, training providers, and support services will take over Leeds' first direct arena next month
A brand-new flagship jobs and skills showcase is set to take over the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds next month, connecting job seekers, graduates, and career changers directly with the region’s leading employers.
Titled ‘Careers in Leeds,’ the event merges three previously separate city events into a single, comprehensive showcase: the Leeds Digital Careers Fair, the Leeds Creative Skills Festival, and the SEND Next Choice Event.
Running from 12pm to 6pm on November 3, the free-to-attend event will host over 100 top regional employers, training providers, and support organisations under one roof.
Organised into dedicated sector zones, the fair will highlight career pathways across construction, manufacturing and engineering, health and social care, digital and technology, business and finance, hospitality, retail, education, public services, and the creative industries.
Exhibitors showcasing live job vacancies, apprenticeships, and training routes include event sponsor Bank of England, Burberry, Leeds Manufacturing Festival, and the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association.
Visitors will also have access to practical workshops covering job application techniques and skills development.
Keynote sessions throughout the day will include a talk by the Bank of England on central banking careers, as well as a panel discussion on how sports experience can accelerate career growth, featuring former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
Accessibility & Specialist Support
To ensure the event is accessible to all visitors, a dedicated support zone will host specialist organisations offering guidance and tailored opportunities for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
A quieter hour will also run between 12pm and 1pm.
Welcoming the showcase, Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this flagship careers event to Leeds, to really give people the opportunity to learn more about the huge number of opportunities that are available in the region.
“This showcase event is inclusive to anyone who is looking for their next opportunity, including job seekers, career returners, career changers, graduates and students. It will be a great way to meet employers and training providers, or just get a taste for what’s out there.”
Ready to take the next step in your career? Claim your free place at Careers in Leeds 2026 at the First Direct Bank Arena this November by reserving your space online today.