Changes for the better as countdown to Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 begins

Leeds Digital Job Fair will return to the First Direct Arena on Wednesday 28 February 2018 and the fourth edition will be more vibrant and accessible than ever.

Now firmly established as the North’s leading recruitment fair for developers, analysts, digital marketers, designers and data scientists, Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 will occupy a new later time slot to enable tech professionals to attend after work alongside other job seekers, graduates and people in full-time education.

It will also become an annual event to guarantee the best possible line-up of exhibitors, having previously been held twice each year. 

Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 will again be directed by its founder Amy De-Balsi, owner of online digital and tech jobs board Herd, with support from Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID), Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University and the First Direct Arena. 

A choice of exhibition packages is now available, ranging from gold for major multi-national companies through to a new scaled-down offer for start-ups. 

Candidates can also register for free tickets to attend the event, speak to employers and seek a new role in digital and tech.

Herd’s Amy De-Balsi overseeing a wonderfully successful Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0 at the First Direct Arena

Herd’s Amy De-Balsi overseeing a wonderfully successful Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0 at the First Direct Arena

Amy De-Balsi said: “We’re particularly excited about Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 which is going to be on a different level to the first three events, which were massively successful.  We have 50 exhibitor spaces available and these are already filling up fast.  More than 500 career opportunities were on offer at the last Fair in April and this number will certainly be eclipsed.   

“Having listened to exhibitors and attendees, Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 will run from 3.30pm - 7.30pm to make it easier for tech professionals and students with study commitments to make it along.  And we have decided to move to an annual cycle so employers can better plan ahead and enable more of their senior managers to meet with potential recruits. 

“The Leeds Digital Job Fair is already well-established as a pivotal recruitment tool for the region’s digital and tech sector.  28 February 2018 is a date that everyone is rightly looking forward to.”   

Andrew Cooper, LeedsBID chief executive, said: “Leeds is a city at the forefront of the skills agenda in the tech, creative and digital sectors and the growing success of the Leeds Digital Job Fair is reflective of that positioning.”

“LeedsBID’s continues to invest in this event and the promotion of the ongoing opportunities available, particularly to those not in Leeds as we drive collectively to attract new talent to our city, and the Leeds Digital Job Fair is ideal in achieving this aim.”

Cllr James Lewis, Leeds City Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Resources and Strategy, said: “Leeds City Council is delighted to support the Leeds Digital Job Fair.  Supporting the growth of our digital companies is a key part of our Inclusive Growth Strategy, and we want to see the opportunities available in this fast-growing sector opened up to as many people as possible.  Digital jobs are a big part of the future of Leeds and I want to dispel the myth that this is just about young people with university degrees. 

“There will be hundreds of opportunities available at the Digital Job Fair and I would encourage anyone with an interest in technology to go along see if there is something for them. Whether you are looking for your first step into digital and tech, or the next rung on your career, this is the place to find that job.”

Some of the many hundreds of vacancies on offer at Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0

Some of the many hundreds of vacancies on offer at Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0

Professor Chris Prince, Leeds Beckett University Pro Vice Chancellor - Business Engagement, said: “Leeds Beckett University is very pleased to continue to co-support the Leeds Digital Job Fair.  The Fair provides our students with a real opportunity to explore the exciting career opportunities that exist within this rapidly growing and important sector of our regional economy.”

Jennifer Mitchell, First Direct Arena General Manager, said: “We are pleased to be hosting the fourth Leeds Digital Job Fair at First Direct Arena. The event has grown from strength to strength over the last three years and it has been exciting seeing it evolve into one of the best careers events in the region.  

“Previous events have seen both businesses and jobseekers successfully networking under one roof in a dedicated forum. We anticipate that 2018’s event will be better than ever.”

Employers interested in exhibiting at Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 can request further information by emailing amy@herd.careers

Individuals wanting to book their place at the event or find out about current vacancies available through Herd should visit www.herd.careers