Leeds to Host New Citywide Careers Fair in November

Event aims to connect local talent with diverse job opportunities

Leeds City Council has announced the launch of a new flagship careers, jobs, and training fair, scheduled to take place on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at the First Direct Arena. The event, titled ‘Careers in Leeds’, will combine three previously separate fairs into a single comprehensive showcase of employment opportunities across multiple sectors within the city and surrounding region.

Consolidating multiple sector events into one

The ‘Careers in Leeds’ fair merges the Leeds Digital Careers Fair, Leeds Creative Skills Festival, and the SEND Next Choice Event. This consolidation is intended to provide attendees with a broad view of the various career paths available locally, spanning a wide range of industries.

Designated zones for diverse industries

The event will be organised into specific zones representing key sectors, including:

• Construction, Manufacturing and Engineering
• Health and Social Care
• Early Years and Education
• Public Services
• Digital
• Finance and Professional Services
• Hospitality
• Wholesale and Retail
• Creative and Culture

Support for attendees with additional needs

A dedicated ‘Support Zone’ will be available at the event, providing tailored opportunities for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The fair will also include scheduled relaxed quiet periods designed to create a calm, low sensory environment, allowing attendees with additional needs to engage comfortably with exhibitors.

The SEND Next Choices programme, which was previously part of the separate SEND event, will be expanded to offer year-round support. This includes creating employment pathways through employer interactions, youth engagement, and career advice aimed at increasing job opportunities for young people with SEND in Leeds.

Council response and future plans

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, commented on the new event:

“We are delighted to bring this new flagship event to Leeds. Bringing a large number of employers together under one roof really does give people the chance to find out all about the huge range of opportunities we have here in the city. We’ve listened to feedback from employers and attendees from our previous fairs, and thought more about an offer that is inclusive to everyone, no matter if you are looking for a specific career, looking to change careers, or even just looking for some inspiration for what next. With the success of our other key employment event, the Leeds Apprenticeship Fair, which has grown to be the largest in the North, we know we can make this event the premier annual careers, jobs and training showcase for our region.”

Further information

Details about attending the event, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information can be found on the official event page: Careers in Leeds | Inclusive Growth Leeds.