Everything you need to know about huge recruitment fair heading to Sunderland
If you are looking for a job or a change of career then why not take advantage of a free recruitment fair showcasing apprenticeships in a wide range of professions.
Taking place at City Hall on Friday 13 February (2026), the Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is open to people of all ages interested in both entry level and degree apprenticeships with Sunderland City Council.
Attendees will be able to meet recruiting managers face to face, ask questions, and learn more about the roles available.
There will also be opportunities to receive careers guidance and tips to help complete applications and prepare for job interviews.
Apprenticeships are on offer throughout Sunderland City Council, including the Port of Sunderland, Highways, Social Care and at Derwent Hill outdoor activity centre.
The recruitment fair will also offer a chance to find out about career opportunities within Sunderland Care and Support (SCAS) and Together for Children (TfC).
Attendees will also have a chance to meet some of the city council’s current apprentices and ask about their experiences.
Glenn Wigham is a Horticulture apprentice with Sunderland City Council.
He said: “Apprenticeships can be for anyone; I’m almost 30 and I went to university but ended up not working in the field I got my degree in.
“I wanted to do something where I could learn on the job and get the experience I need to get the job I want.
“With an apprenticeship you get a living wage while you learn, so for people who want a career change it gives you an entry into a new field without the debt you’d get from university.”
Councillor Michael Butler, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Child Poverty and Skills, said: “We are delighted to be showcasing some fantastic opportunities available through the city council and its partners. There are apprenticeship vacancies available at all levels, to suit school leavers and students as well as people looking for a change in career.
“I’d encourage anyone who is looking for their next steps to come along to the Apprentice Recruitment Fair and find out more about what’s on offer.”
Current apprenticeships being recruited
- Engineer Apprenticeship – The Port of Sunderland
- Civil Engineering Apprenticeships – Infrastructure and Transportation
- Development Control Compliance Apprenticeship - Development Control
- Digital Inclusion Apprenticeship - Smart City Innovation
- Paviour Apprenticeship – Highways Operations
- Road Marker/Groundworker Apprenticeship - Highways Operations
- Public Health Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship – Public Health
- Outdoor activity Instructor Apprenticeships - Derwent Hill
- Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship – Adult Social Care
- Adult Social Care Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship – Adult Social Care (Business Development)
The Jobs Fair will take place between 10am and 4pm on Friday 13 January in The Chamber at City Hall, Plater Way, SR1 3AA.
A quiet session will run between 10am and 10.30am to allow attendees to come along and speak to employers in a quieter, calmer setting.
The event is free to attend but attendees are asked to register for a place on the City Council’s website.