We’re back at Preston Guild Hall! Celebrate 10 years of the North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo. Free entry. All ages welcome.

📅 Wednesday 14 April 2027

📍 Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT

🕛 Open: 12 noon–7pm

⏰ Last entry: 6.30pm

🎟️ Free admission

WE’RE BACK — CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WHERE IT ALL STARTED!

The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo returns to Preston Guild Hall on Wednesday 14 April 2027 — celebrating 10 years of connecting people with opportunities.

After four years away, we’re coming home to The Guild Hall, where our first Apprenticeship and Careers Expo took place in 2017.

Join us for a day dedicated to exploring your options, meeting employers and training providers, and discovering where your next step could take you.

Your future starts with a conversation

Whether you’re leaving school, considering an apprenticeship, looking for a job, returning to work or thinking about a complete career change, this event is for you.

The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo brings together employers, colleges, universities, training providers and support organisations, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and explore different routes into employment and learning.

With up to 100 exhibitors, you can discover:

Apprenticeships and routes into employment.

Job opportunities across different industries.

College, university and further training options.

Opportunities to develop new skills or retrain.

Work experience and volunteering.

Careers advice and support to help you plan your next step.

You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to do. Come along, have a conversation and discover the possibilities.

All ages. Different starting points. Plenty of possibilities.

Apprenticeships and careers opportunities are for people at every stage of life.

The exhibition welcomes school and college students, parents and carers, jobseekers, people returning to work and anyone considering a change of direction.

Previous exhibitors have included BAE Systems, the NHS, Leyland Trucks, James Hall & Co. (SPAR), the University of Lancashire — previously the University of Central Lancashire — and colleges from across the region.

These are examples of organisations that have attended previously. Details of our 2027 exhibitors will be shared as the event approaches.

🎟️ Free to attend

The event is free to attend and open from 12 noon until 7pm, with last entry at 6.30pm.

Book your Free Visitor Pass and join us at Preston Guild Hall.

Parents, carers and supporters are welcome to attend alongside anyone exploring their options.

Sensory-friendly visiting hour

From 3pm until 4pm, the exhibition will operate a sensory-friendly format to support visitors who would benefit from a calmer experience.

If you have particular access or support requirements, please contact us before your visit so we can explain the arrangements and discuss how we can help.

🏫 Schools, colleges and organised groups

Planning to bring a school or college group, or an organised group of 10 or more people?

Please use our school and group booking form (https://www.nwappexpo.co.uk/schools) so we can help coordinate your visit. School and college bookings should be arranged through the website rather than through individual eventbrite registrations. We can support your visit with:

Printed and digital materials to help promote the event.

Assistance with planning and coordinating your group’s attendance.

Support with group management on the day.

Event insurance documentation and event risk assessments, available on request.

🤝 Looking to exhibit?

Does your organisation have opportunities to share?

The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo is an opportunity to meet people who want to work, learn, gain experience or explore their future options.

We welcome enquiries from:

Employers recruiting apprentices or employees.

Colleges, universities and training providers.

Organisations offering work experience.

Charities and organisations recruiting volunteers.

Careers, employment and skills support services.

Previous events have attracted more than 2,000 visitors from across Lancashire, with representation from different age groups and career stages.

Whether you want to introduce your organisation, explain a career pathway or connect with potential applicants, our team can help you explore how to get involved.

Visit our exhibitor information page (https://www.nwappexpo.co.uk/exhibitors) or email info@shoutconnect.co.uk.

📍 Plan your visit

Preston Guild Hall is on Lancaster Road in Preston city centre, close to Preston Bus Station and within walking distance of Preston Railway Station.

Public parking is available nearby, including Preston Bus Station car park. Parking charges and individual car park conditions apply.

Entrance information and any additional arrival instructions will be shared with registered visitors before the event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.