First direct arena, Leeds (FDA), which is part of ASM Global Europe’s (ASM) portfolio of venues hosted the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair 2024 in February. As one of ASM’s premier exhibition venues, the FDA provided a strategic and accessible location for the largest event of its kind in the North of England.
Organised by Leeds City Council’s Employment and Skills Services, this annual exhibition, which is part of National Apprenticeships Week, has taken place at the venue for the past eight years (excluding 2021 due to Covid-19) and attracted over 8,220 visitors across six sessions from 13:00 to 19:00 in 2024.
Attendees ranged from 14 years upwards, including students from schools and colleges; young people seeking career opportunities; and older individuals considering a change in career. The fair provided a unique platform for attendees to engage directly with over 100 exhibitors, offering information, advice, guidance, and live apprenticeship vacancies across a wide range of sectors such as accounting, business, catering, construction, creative design, digital, care services, engineering, health, law, beauty, and more.
Set in the heart of Leeds, the FDA provided a central, easily accessible location, something that is vital for the event’s success. The venue’s main auditorium offered 2,250 square meters of flat floor space with 18-meter-high ceilings and floor-level access, creating an expansive and welcoming environment for exhibitors and visitors alike. Additionally, the Black and White Lounge, configured in theatre style to accommodate up to 120 delegates, served as the hub for a series of talks and workshops. These sessions, running every half hour, covered essential topics such as apprenticeship opportunities, the application process, and interview techniques, providing valuable insights and guidance to attendees.
Exhibitors at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair included prominent companies such as ASDA, Channel 4, Jet 2, the Home Office, KPMG, Keepmoat, and Lloyds Banking Group. The presence of such high-profile organisations underscored the Fair’s significance and its role in connecting aspiring apprentices with leading employers.
Reflecting on the event, Dave Myers, Employment and Skills Manager from Leeds City Council said: “first direct arena, Leeds has consistently proven to be an exceptional choice for our annual Apprenticeship Fair. Its significant capacity makes it one of the largest spaces available in Leeds, allowing us to accommodate a vast number of exhibitors and visitors comfortably. The FDA’s central location is another major advantage.
“This accessibility is crucial in ensuring that potential apprentices from all areas of the city have the opportunity to attend. And their commitment to inclusivity is aligned with our values. The venue is equipped with wheelchair-friendly entrances and lifts, making sure that the Fair is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. This inclusivity is essential for us as it reflects our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all individuals interested in apprenticeships.
The partnership between Leeds City Council, the FDA and ASM Global highlights ASMs commitment to providing versatile and accessible venues for a wide range of events. Their extensive portfolio, which includes notable exhibition venues such as P&J Live in Aberdeen, Olympia Events and OVO Arena Wembley in London, and the AO Arena in Manchester, has the capability to host exhibitions of any size across the whole of the UK.
Myers concludes: “In summary, first direct arena, Leeds not only offers the space and facilities to host a successful fair but also embodies the spirit of accessibility and inclusivity that is at the heart of our event. It’s these qualities that make the FDA the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the future workforce of our city.”
