Festival of Careers inspires over 1,000 young people at East Coast College - East Coast College
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Festival of Careers inspires over 1,000 young people at East Coast College - East Coast College
Festival of Careers inspires over 1,000 young people at East Coast College
23/03/2026
The highly anticipated Festival of Careers has returned to East Coast College, welcoming more than 1,000 students for a day of inspiration, exploration, and employer engagement.
Delivered in partnership with MENTA and East Suffolk Council, the event took place at the College’s Lowestoft campus on Friday 20 March 2026, bringing together young people from across the region to discover future career pathways.
Students from Years 9 and 10, alongside East Coast College and Lowestoft Sixth Form College learners, attended from a wide range of schools including Bungay High School, Acle Academy, Horizon School, Sir John Leman High School, Ormiston Denes Academy, The Ashley School Academy Trust, East Point Academy, and Pakefield High School.
This year’s festival featured its largest exhibitor line-up to date, with more than 90 organisations in attendance. The event showcased a diverse mix of universities and leading employers from across the UK, including Cefas, Aviva, the University of Exeter, Adnams, The Royal Air Force, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Constabulary. Together, they offered students a unique opportunity to explore a broad range of industries, career routes, and future possibilities.
Designed to broaden young people’s understanding of the world of work, the Festival of Careers connects students directly with local and regional employers. Throughout the day, attendees engaged with professionals, discovered emerging industries, and gained valuable insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in todays’ job market.
The event also highlighted the wide range of opportunities available across the region, while providing businesses with a valuable platform to engage with their future workforce and share what they look for in new recruits.
Michelle Woolnough, Careers Coordinator at East Coast College, said: “The Festival of Careers is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation and open their eyes to the breadth of opportunities available locally. By bringing together education and industry, we are helping young people make informed choices about their futures while supporting employers to connect with emerging talent.”
Alex Till, Chief Executive at MENTA, said: “The Festival of Careers in Lowestoft is a fantastic opportunity to bring together young people and employers in a meaningful and inspiring way. The scale of this year’s event really demonstrates the growing commitment to supporting young people with their future career choices.
“Following the success of last year’s event, it is great to once again be working in partnership with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council to deliver something that has a real impact. Events like this are vital in helping young people explore opportunities, build confidence, and connect directly with employers who can shape their next steps.”
Jo Probitts, Economic Development Projects and Skills Lead at East Suffolk Council, said: “The Festival of Careers is an important date in the East Suffolk diary. Working with East Coast College and MENTA, we are thrilled to have so many businesses and organisations supporting the young people of East Suffolk to access brighter and better career choices.”
East Coast College is proud to host this event once again, strengthening the vital links between education, employers, and the wider community. By supporting young people to make informed decisions about their futures, the College continues its commitment to raising aspirations and championing local opportunity.
Festival of Careers inspires over 1,000 young people at East Coast College
23/03/2026
The highly anticipated Festival of Careers has returned to East Coast College, welcoming more than 1,000 students for a day of inspiration, exploration, and employer engagement.
Delivered in partnership with MENTA and East Suffolk Council, the event took place at the College’s Lowestoft campus on Friday 20 March 2026, bringing together young people from across the region to discover future career pathways.
Students from Years 9 and 10, alongside East Coast College and Lowestoft Sixth Form College learners, attended from a wide range of schools including Bungay High School, Acle Academy, Horizon School, Sir John Leman High School, Ormiston Denes Academy, The Ashley School Academy Trust, East Point Academy, and Pakefield High School.
This year’s festival featured its largest exhibitor line-up to date, with more than 90 organisations in attendance. The event showcased a diverse mix of universities and leading employers from across the UK, including Cefas, Aviva, the University of Exeter, Adnams, The Royal Air Force, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Constabulary. Together, they offered students a unique opportunity to explore a broad range of industries, career routes, and future possibilities.
Designed to broaden young people’s understanding of the world of work, the Festival of Careers connects students directly with local and regional employers. Throughout the day, attendees engaged with professionals, discovered emerging industries, and gained valuable insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in todays’ job market.
The event also highlighted the wide range of opportunities available across the region, while providing businesses with a valuable platform to engage with their future workforce and share what they look for in new recruits.
Michelle Woolnough, Careers Coordinator at East Coast College, said: “The Festival of Careers is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation and open their eyes to the breadth of opportunities available locally. By bringing together education and industry, we are helping young people make informed choices about their futures while supporting employers to connect with emerging talent.”
Alex Till, Chief Executive at MENTA, said: “The Festival of Careers in Lowestoft is a fantastic opportunity to bring together young people and employers in a meaningful and inspiring way. The scale of this year’s event really demonstrates the growing commitment to supporting young people with their future career choices.
“Following the success of last year’s event, it is great to once again be working in partnership with East Coast College and East Suffolk Council to deliver something that has a real impact. Events like this are vital in helping young people explore opportunities, build confidence, and connect directly with employers who can shape their next steps.”
Jo Probitts, Economic Development Projects and Skills Lead at East Suffolk Council, said: “The Festival of Careers is an important date in the East Suffolk diary. Working with East Coast College and MENTA, we are thrilled to have so many businesses and organisations supporting the young people of East Suffolk to access brighter and better career choices.”
East Coast College is proud to host this event once again, strengthening the vital links between education, employers, and the wider community. By supporting young people to make informed decisions about their futures, the College continues its commitment to raising aspirations and championing local opportunity.