Hundreds of businesses and organisations from across the region and beyond will take part in two huge free events at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, creating what organisers are calling a "week of opportunities" for Bolton and the wider North West.
The North West Apprenticeship & Careers Expo will take place on Wednesday, October 21, followed just two days later by the North West Business Expo on Friday, October 23.
Between them, the events will bring thousands of visitors and hundreds of employers, businesses, training providers and support organisations to Bolton.
And while there will be plenty of serious opportunities on offer, organisers Shout Network say both events are designed to be enjoyable too.
Ian Coupe, director of Shout Network, which organises the events, said:
We want people to walk through the doors, enjoy themselves, talk to people they might never normally get the chance to meet and hopefully leave with an opportunity they didn't have when they arrived.
Across the two events we'll have hundreds of businesses and organisations taking part and we've already passed 5,000 visitor registrations, which is fantastic.
What I particularly like is how different the two days are. On Wednesday you might have someone finding out about a completely new career, an apprenticeship or a course that could change their future. Two days later, somebody could meet their next customer, supplier or business partner in exactly the same building.
They're busy, lively events. There's lots going on, lots of people to meet and a really friendly atmosphere. You don't need to arrive in a suit carrying a pile of business cards and you don't need to know exactly what career you want. Just come along, have a look around and have some conversations.
Wednesday: Careers, apprenticeships and new opportunities
The North West Apprenticeship & Careers Expo runs from 12pm until 7pm on Wednesday, October 21 and will bring together employers, colleges, universities, training providers and careers organisations under one roof.
Major names taking part include Bentley, the NHS, United Utilities, the Royal Air Force and The King's Trust, alongside organisations representing a huge range of different industries and career paths.
Despite its name, organisers are keen to stress that the event is not simply for school leavers or young people.
Anyone considering a change of career, looking to return to work, wanting to develop new skills or qualifications, or simply looking for some independent advice about their next step is welcome to attend.
Ian added:
There's sometimes a misconception that apprenticeships and careers events are just for 16 or 18-year-olds, but that's absolutely not the case.
We have school and college students coming along, but we'd equally encourage somebody in their 30s, 40s or 50s who's thinking 'I'd quite like to do something different' to come and have a look.
You might be looking for a completely new career, thinking about upskilling, returning to work or simply wondering what opportunities are out there. There is no age limit on deciding you want to do something new.
The event is designed to make exploring careers as informal as possible, giving visitors the chance to speak face-to-face with employers and training providers, ask questions, discover opportunities and get practical advice.
Friday: Bolton means business
Two days later the stadium will be transformed again as the North West Business Expo takes over the Premier Suite from 9am until 3pm on Friday, October 23.
The event will feature businesses from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the wider North West, with exhibitors including PM+M Accountants, Village Hotels, Lancashire County Council and WHN Solicitors, alongside businesses representing dozens of different sectors.
The Business Expo is open to everyone from experienced business owners and senior decision-makers to freelancers, start-ups and people who haven't actually started their business yet.
Visitors can meet potential customers and suppliers, make new contacts, discover products and services and find out what business support is available across the region.
Ian said:
One of the things we've always tried to avoid is making our business expos feel too corporate or intimidating.
Business is about people. You can spend months emailing somebody or connecting with people online, but sometimes a ten-minute conversation over a coffee can lead to something completely unexpected.
If you've been running a business for 20 years, there will be people worth meeting. If you started last week, there will be people who can help you. And if you're sitting at home thinking about starting a business but don't know where to begin, come along too.
You can spend a few hours meeting hundreds of businesses, finding local support, discovering suppliers and making connections β and it doesn't cost anything to get through the door.
More than 5,000 visitors β and counting
More than 5,000 people have already registered across the two events, with organisers expecting that figure to continue rising during the weeks leading up to the shows.
Both events are completely free to attend, although visitors are encouraged to register in advance.
A limited number of exhibition spaces also remain available for organisations wanting to take part in either event.
Ian added:
To have more than 5,000 people already registered across the two events is brilliant, but ultimately this isn't about numbers on a spreadsheet.
If somebody leaves on Wednesday having discovered the career they want to pursue, or somebody leaves on Friday having made a connection that helps their business grow, that's what these events are really about.
For two days in one week we're going to fill the stadium with people looking for opportunities β whether that's their next job, their next employee, their next customer or simply their next idea. We can't wait to bring it all to Bolton.
Event details
North West Apprenticeship & Careers Expo
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
12pmβ7pm
Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton
Free admission: www.nwappexpo.com
North West Business Expo
Friday, October 23, 2026
9amβ3pm
Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton
Free admission: www.shoutconnect.co.uk/exhibitions/north-west
A limited number of exhibition spaces remain available at both events.
