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Looking for jobs in Leeds, especially those backed by the council or tailored to help you start or shift your career? Whether you’re a school leaver, a job seeker returning to work, or someone facing a long-term health condition, Leeds City Council jobs and local apprenticeship schemes are opening doors to employment across the region.
From hands-on roles in public services to degree apprenticeships in fields like law, finance, and digital media, opportunities are growing. With initiatives such as the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair and the Leeds Employment Hub, new career routes are now more accessible than ever.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available and who it’s for:
Table: Quick Guide to Jobs & Apprenticeship Opportunities in Leeds
| Opportunity Type | Who It’s For | Key Features |
| Council-backed roles | Job seekers of all levels | Local job listings, benefits, and community impact |
| Apprenticeship opportunities | Young people, career changers, degree learners | Paid training, long-term career development |
| Individual support services | People with health conditions or caring responsibilities | 1-to-1 guidance, inclusive access to the job market |
| Employment Hub programmes | Economically inactive individuals | Skills development, job market readiness |
| Voluntary sector grants | Community organisations helping others find work | Council funding to boost local employment efforts |
Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair Returns in 2025
Held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the upcoming Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is set to welcome over 100 exhibitors from sectors ranging from health and finance to digital and creative industries. The event provides access to live apprenticeship vacancies, practical advice, and learning opportunities.
Notable organisations confirmed to attend include Jet2, KPMG, Royal Navy, Bank of England, and Leeds City Council itself. For anyone asking how to find apprenticeships in Leeds, this fair acts as a launchpad into a variety of career routes.
It’s not just for students. This initiative is tailored for:
- Career starters exploring entry-level jobs
- People interested in hands-on learning
- Adults looking for career progression
- Those interested in re-skilling programs or returning to work after a break
Councillor Jonathan Pryor expressed the fair’s importance in helping thousands find work each year. In his words, apprenticeships provide “a fantastic route into a wide range of careers,” many of which are available in sectors with notable skills shortages.
How Leeds City Council Supports Inclusive Employment
The council’s vision extends far beyond recruitment events. With funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds has committed £2.3 million to extend the Leeds Employment Hub, helping over 1,400 residents, especially those who are economically inactive, find stable and meaningful work.
This funding specifically addresses:
- Employment support for people with long-term health conditions
- Career support for care leavers and lone parents
- Services for individuals living in deprived wards
- Job access for older workers in physically demanding roles
- Help for ex-offenders and people facing homelessness.
These efforts align with the national Get Britain Working programme, bringing government funding for job seekers in Leeds directly into communities that need it most.
Who Is Hiring in Leeds for Apprenticeships?
The 2025 apprenticeship fair in Leeds gives a clear picture of employers actively offering roles. From private sector giants to public institutions, here’s a glimpse at who’s opening doors:
- Jet2 – aviation, customer service, travel operations
- KPMG – finance, audit, consulting, apprenticeships
- Bank of England – central banking, risk, and compliance roles
- Royal Navy – defence careers, logistics, and engineering
- Springfield Training – education and vocational training
- The Coders Guild – digital and tech apprenticeships
- Appris & JCT600 – engineering, automotive, and manufacturing
These aren’t just internship-style roles. Most apprenticeships now come with real salaries, job contracts, and defined career paths. Many also offer the chance to earn higher and degree-level qualifications, making them comparable to traditional university routes, with the added benefit of paid employment.
Leeds Employment Hub: One-on-One Career Help Near You
The Leeds Employment Hub isn’t just a website, it’s a network of trained advisors located across the city, helping people from all backgrounds get job-ready. Whether you’re applying for jobs in Leeds or trying to upskill through re-skilling programs, the hub offers tailored help through:
- CV building and interview preparation
- Support for disabled job seekers
- Information about apprenticeship vacancies
- Guidance for social mobility and career change
- Employer links with local businesses and council services.
The hub’s mission includes removing barriers faced by those who often feel left behind in the job market. If you’ve ever searched for free job support services near me, this is one of the strongest local options available.
Empowering Youth Employment & Career Development in 2025
Leeds’ strategic approach to youth employment is visible through its continued investment in early career development. That means working with schools, colleges, and local employers to increase access to entry-level jobs that provide real growth potential.
Beyond the apprenticeship fair, the city’s efforts focus on:
- Promoting hands-on learning over unpaid placements
- Funding new skills development projects for under-25s
- Working with voluntary and community organisations to widen access
- Encouraging workforce engagement among employers to create real openings
This isn’t a one-off push; it’s part of Leeds’ broader ambition to lead in inclusive job creation across the north. Whether you’re comparing to Bradford Council jobs, Manchester City Council jobs, or Kirklees Council jobs, Leeds is investing where it counts: in individual support, employer engagement, and education-to-work pipelines.
Building Careers, Reducing Barriers: Leeds Council’s Inclusive Job Strategy
Unlike other regions where job seekers often face a complex maze of disconnected services, Leeds City Council has made a concerted effort to simplify and strengthen its employment ecosystem. With local delivery, strategic partnerships, and targeted support, the council is making real progress in workforce engagement, especially in underserved communities.
The recently announced £2.3 million in funding will be channelled into initiatives that respond directly to resident needs, not just by creating more jobs but by creating access to the job market for those who often feel excluded.
This includes:
- Career support for care leavers and lone parents
- Tailored pathways for those with disabilities or health conditions
- Support structures for older workers in physically intense industries
- Special programmes for economically inactive individuals
Through these efforts, the city is also combating social inequality, boosting social mobility, and giving every resident a fair shot at career development, whether that’s through a full-time council role or a local apprenticeship opportunity.
Degree Apprenticeships: A Smart Alternative to University
One of the most impactful trends in Leeds’ employment drive is the rise of degree apprenticeships. These programmes let learners earn a university-level qualification while working, gaining real-world experience without the weight of student debt.
Offered by employers like KPMG, Appris, and the Bank of England, these roles often include training in:
- Business & finance
- Engineering
- Digital marketing
- Public service administration
- Legal and policy fields
This blend of learning opportunities and paid employment makes apprenticeships in Leeds not just a backup plan but a preferred choice for many, especially young professionals seeking both career progression and income stability.
How Council-Backed Initiatives Are Tackling Skills Shortages
The council has also acknowledged the city’s skills shortage in vital sectors like healthcare, digital services, and construction. To address this, the Leeds Employment Hub is working closely with local employers to design apprenticeships and job training aligned with actual labour market demands.
These programs aim to:
- Develop re-skilling programs for people switching careers
- Increase access to hands-on learning for school leavers.
- Provide upskilling for workers at risk of redundancy.
- Expand career development paths for underrepresented groups.
This demand-led approach ensures that employers have access to a trained, ready workforce, while job seekers receive support that leads to actual employment, not just training for training’s sake.
A City-Wide Approach: Community & Employer Involvement
Leeds’ employment efforts are not limited to government bodies. Much of the progress has come from its work with voluntary and community organisations, including social enterprises and training providers. These groups have played a pivotal role in reaching people who may not engage with traditional job centres or online listings.
Through grants and local partnerships, these organisations now provide:
- Employment help for disabled individuals in Leeds
- Wraparound services for people facing homelessness
- Vocational coaching for young people in deprived wards
- Opportunities for those previously in the justice system
In addition, several businesses and public sector employers now offer individual support, mentorship, and long-term contracts that help individuals move from training to stable employment.
This collaborative, place-based strategy sets Leeds apart from other councils. While people may also search for Calderdale Council jobs, North Yorkshire Council jobs, or Indeed jobs Leeds, they’ll find that Leeds offers one of the most accessible and coordinated employment landscapes in West Yorkshire.
Preparing for the Future: Apprenticeship Fair Leeds 2025
The 2025 edition of the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is expected to be the largest to date, reflecting the growing demand for 2025 apprenticeship opportunities in West Yorkshire. Set at the spacious First Direct Arena Leeds, it serves as both an awareness campaign and a practical hiring ground.
Attendees will:
- Connect directly with recruiters
- Apply for apprenticeship vacancies on-site.
- Attend sessions explaining how apprenticeships work.
- Learn about career development paths in both the public and private sectors.
- Get insight into what employers like Jet2, The Coders Guild, and Leeds Manufacturing Festival are offering.
For young people and job seekers alike, the fair is a rare opportunity to meet hiring managers, explore different careers, and begin a journey that could transform their lives.
Final Thoughts:
Leeds City Council jobs, supported by robust funding, partnerships, and on-the-ground employment hubs, are reshaping how the city works. From apprenticeship opportunities to dedicated employment support, residents of every background now have access to the tools, advice, and training they need to succeed.
Whether you’re exploring options post-education, returning after a career break, or overcoming personal challenges to employment, Leeds is investing in your future. As initiatives expand and employer participation grows, the question is no longer if there are jobs available in Leeds, but how quickly can you take the next step?
People Also Ask:
What support does Leeds City Council offer to job seekers?
Leeds City Council offers direct job listings, access to the Leeds Employment Hub, and career programmes targeting those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or caring responsibilities.
How can I find apprenticeships in Leeds?
Attend the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, visit local job centres, or connect with the Leeds Employment Hub. Many employers advertise apprenticeship vacancies directly through the council and affiliated organisations.
Who is eligible for individual job support?
Services are open to economically inactive individuals, care leavers, lone parents, older workers, and people with low qualifications or other barriers to employment.
What sectors offer apprenticeships in Leeds?
Industries include: digital, engineering, law, public service, hospitality, education, and finance, with degree apprenticeships and entry-level jobs both available.
