Final Events Announced for Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2026

Programme completes with focus on youth employment and apprenticeships

The Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI26) has revealed the final events in its programme, scheduled to take place from 6 to 10 October 2026 at Leeds Playhouse. The concluding sessions form part of LIFI Futures, an expanded strand of the festival aimed at young people, addressing issues such as apprenticeships, employment, and education.

Apprenticeships under the spotlight

On Wednesday 7 October, from 11:30am to 12:30pm, the event titled Rock Void: Why does no one talk about apprenticeships? will explore the role and perception of apprenticeships in the current job market. The session aims to clarify what apprenticeships entail, how to access them, and their potential as a career path. It will also discuss the growing popularity of degree apprenticeships, which offer higher-level qualifications without the financial burden of university fees.

The panel includes experts Larry Budd, Laura Collins, Libby Morgan, Kelly-Marie McAllistair, and Paula Willoughby, who will address common misconceptions and answer questions from attendees.

Challenges in youth employment discussed

The following day, Thursday 8 October, from 11am to 12pm, the session LIFI Futures: What No One Told You About Getting A Job? will examine the difficulties young people face when entering the workforce. The event is organised in partnership with Luminate Education Group.

With approximately one in eight young people in the UK classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), the discussion will focus on factors contributing to this situation, including the availability of jobs, engagement levels among young people, and the effectiveness of the education system in preparing them for work.

The panel features employers and training experts Rima Ahmed, Mushy Asghar, Kathryn Curran, Nad Ghani, Kate O’Connell, and Katie Rankin, who will analyse the current system and suggest practical improvements for supporting youth employment.

Additional LIFI Futures events

These two sessions complement other LIFI Futures events during the week, including Rachel Riley’s Is maths the root of everything? and a panel on identity titled How to be unapologetically you? All LIFI Futures events are offered free to schools and colleges.

The full festival programme is available online for those interested in attending or learning more about the range of discussions and activities planned throughout the week.

• When: 6–10 October 2026
• Where: Leeds Playhouse
• Key sessions:
  • 7 Oct, 11:30am–12:30pm: Rock Void – Apprenticeships
  • 8 Oct, 11am–12pm: LIFI Futures – Youth Employment

For more information and the full programme, visit the Leeds International Festival of Ideas website.