Nearly 10,000 Young People in Leeds Receive Careers Support

Leeds City Council’s programme aids youth career decisions

Nearly 10,000 young people in Leeds accessed careers support during the 2025/26 academic year through a programme run by Leeds City Council. The initiative aimed to provide high-quality careers information, facilitate employer engagement, and help young people make informed decisions about their futures.

Informed Choices programme reaches thousands

The Informed Choices programme, delivered by the council’s employment and skills service, worked with more than 50 schools, colleges, and specialist settings across Leeds. In total, 9,983 young people benefited from the programme, alongside 1,030 parents and carers and 329 teachers who were also engaged.

The programme includes a variety of activities such as apprenticeship awareness sessions, employer-led events, and access to local labour market information. These efforts are designed to connect young people with opportunities available within the city.

• 8,400 young people attended apprenticeship awareness sessions
• Over 20 school careers activities were delivered in partnership with local businesses

Plans for 2026/27 academic year

For the upcoming 2026/27 academic year, the employment and skills service will continue to offer a comprehensive programme of free careers education and advice to schools and colleges across Leeds. The support includes:

• Apprenticeship awareness and careers sessions for students in Year 10 and above
• Support from apprenticeship ambassadors
• Connections with employers
• Careers activities and assemblies
• Access to the Leeds careers education, information, advice and guidance network

Upcoming careers events in Leeds

The service will also host two major careers events at the Leeds First Direct Arena during the academic year:

• Careers in Leeds – 3 November 2026
• Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair – 9 February 2027

Schools, colleges, and employers interested in participating in the Informed Choices programme can contact the employment and skills service via email at esemployers@leeds.gov.uk.

Additional resources

Leeds also offers a careers platform called Start in Leeds, which provides information about jobs, career opportunities, and local education and training options.