Member Article

Last call for Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0

A final rallying call has been issued for graduates, tech professionals and job seekers wanting to progress in the region’s burgeoning digital sector to sign up for free to attend Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0 at the First Direct Arena this Friday (28 April) from 1200-1630.

Asda is the latest major employer to join the almost 50-strong exhibit list that also includes Sky Betting & Gaming, Barclays, NHS Digital, Jet2.com & Jet2holidays, Morrisons and Callcredit.

The event - organised by online jobs board Herd with support from LeedsBID, Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University and the First Direct Arena - is part of the inaugural Leeds International Festival which runs throughout this week.

And in another first, Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0 will welcome a number of students supported by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF), a charity that helps high-achieving young people from low-income, disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their potential, including through better access to further and higher education.

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi said: “With final preparations almost complete, I have no doubt that Friday’s event will be the best yet.

“More than 500 vacancies will be available on the day and we are thrilled to have Asda onboard. It important that people wanting to attend now take a couple of minutes to reserve their place online.

“We’re particularly pleased that representatives of the Social Mobility Foundation will be joining us, together with a group of young people who are benefitting from their guidance.

“Promoting diversity and inclusivity are at the core of our ethos, and we were privileged to work with Leeds Autism AIM to promote digital jobs at the last Leeds Digital Job Fair in October.

“We look forward to introducing our guests from the SMF to the outstanding range of tech employers and career opportunities available locally.”

Isobel Plant, Senior Aspiring Professionals Programme Coordinator at the SMF, said: “With the help of professionals, every year we support more than 1,000 young people nationally who have the ability to flourish in top universities and professions, but who often lack the knowledge and networks to help them get there.

“SMF works across 11 different career sectors, including technology, and supports students from Year 12, throughout sixth form and university, until they graduate. On our free programme, students receive career insight opportunities, such as work experience, mentoring, skills sessions and insight events.

“We have just accepted over 60 young people from West Yorkshire on to our 2017 programme and are hoping to open an office in Leeds in the near future.

“SMF are greatly looking forward to Leeds Digital Job Fair 3.0 and the opportunity to discuss with employers how we might best support them and young people wanting to access digital and tech career opportunities in the city.”

Anyone wishing to book their place free of charge or find out about current vacancies available through Herd should visit www.herd.careers

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barry White .