Leeds offers a variety of employment services aimed at helping job seekers, freelancers, and workers navigate their careers. Whether you’re new to the job market, looking for a career change, or seeking support in your current role, this guide will provide you with the essential resources to enhance your job search, career development, and understanding of worker rights.
Job Board Listings
Job boards are one of the most popular ways to search for job opportunities. Leeds hosts several local and national job boards that connect you with regional employers. The official jobs portal for the city council lists job vacancies within local government, education, and public services. It’s an excellent resource for those interested in public sector work. Leeds Jobs is a regional job board dedicated to connecting employers in Leeds with potential employees. It offers various job categories, from retail and customer service to IT and engineering. Indeed UK is one of the most significant job search engines in the UK. Indeed lists thousands of job opportunities across all sectors, including positions based in Leeds.
Resume and CV Workshops
Having a well-crafted resume or CV is crucial to landing your next job. Leeds provides a variety of workshops and services to help you perfect your CV and cover letter. Many libraries in Leeds offer free CV and job application clinics. These clinics are an excellent resource for refining your CV, getting expert advice, and learning how to tailor your application for specific jobs. The Prince’s Trust organisation offers workshops and one-on-one CV advice, mainly targeted at young people aged 18-30. Suppose you’re a student or recent graduate. In that case, the career services departments at the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University offer CV workshops, mock interviews, and personalised career advice—University of Leeds Career Services.
Career Counselling Services
Career counselling can help individuals clarify their career paths, strengths, and professional goals. Several services in Leeds offer expert guidance. The city council provides free career coaching services to residents of Leeds, including personalised advice, skills assessments, and career progression planning. Leeds Career Coaching. National Careers Service is a government-run service that offers free career counselling for people of all ages, helping you make informed decisions about your future career and providing support in areas such as CV writing, job search, and interview techniques. Mind Your Career service offers coaching sessions to support individuals with mental health challenges navigating the job market.
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can help you find temporary, permanent, and freelance work across different industries. Here are some reputable agencies based in Leeds: Hays Recruitment Leeds is a leading recruitment agency specialising in various sectors, including finance, engineering, and IT. They offer job placements and career advice. Michael Page Leeds agency specialises in recruitment for different industries, including marketing, accounting, and engineering, offering permanent and temporary roles. Adecco Leeds provides temporary and permanent recruitment across multiple sectors, from office administration to manufacturing and customer service.
Freelancing Resources
For those looking to work independently, freelancing can be an excellent option. Leeds has resources and networks that support freelancers and self-employed individuals. Leeds Freelance Network is a community of freelancers in the Leeds area that meets regularly to share ideas, resources, and advice on how to grow your freelance business. Freelance UK is an online platform that provides freelancers advice, networking, and resources, including tax guidance, insurance, and ways to find freelance work in the UK. Upwork is also a global freelancing platform where you can find freelance jobs from companies worldwide. It is an excellent resource for those looking to expand their freelance business outside the UK.
Government Employment Initiatives
The UK government runs several programmes to support job seekers, apprentices, and employers. Leeds residents can use these initiatives to find work and develop skills. Universal Credit, or job seekers and low-income workers, provides financial support and helps with job searching. Apprenticeship Opportunities promote apprenticeships, which allow individuals to learn and work simultaneously, earning wages while gaining valuable skills.
Job Fair Schedules
Job fairs are excellent for meeting employers, learning about job opportunities, and networking with industry professionals. Leeds Job Fairs are hosted throughout the year; these events are perfect for job seekers in Leeds to meet with local employers. You can find details about upcoming events on the Leeds Jobs website. Graduate Recruitment Fairs at Universities in Leeds host regular job fairs, mainly aimed at graduates seeking their first career roles.
Internship and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Internships and apprenticeships offer hands-on experience in a specific field and are an excellent way to gain industry knowledge. Leeds University Internship Programs run internship programs that connect students and graduates with leading employers. Companies in Leeds often use the apprenticeship levy to fund training for apprentices. This can be a good route for gaining professional qualifications while earning a salary.
Worker Rights and Legal Aid
Understanding your rights as a worker is crucial to ensuring you are treated fairly. Leeds offers several services that provide support and legal advice for workers. Acas Leeds: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) offers free employment rights, dispute resolution, and workplace relations advice. Citizen’s Advice Bureau Leeds gives legal advice regarding employment rights, including discrimination, wages, and unfair dismissal, and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers free guidance.
Trade Union Contacts
Trade unions are a powerful resource for workers who want to ensure their rights are protected and advocate for better working conditions. Unite the Union Leeds is one of the largest trade unions in the UK, with a local branch in Leeds. They support workers in many sectors, including education, healthcare, and transport. GMB Union Leeds supports workers nationwide, including those in public services, logistics, and retail.
What to Look Out For
- Take advantage of job board listings specific to Leeds to find local opportunities in various sectors.
- Attend CV workshops and career counselling services to ensure your applications are strong and well-targeted.
- Use recruitment agencies to access a broader range of job opportunities, including temporary and freelance roles.
- Explore government employment initiatives such as the Kickstart Scheme and apprenticeships to kickstart your career.
- Stay informed about upcoming job fairs and networking events to meet potential employers in person.
- Understand your workers’ rights and access legal aid if you encounter issues in the workplace.