Thousands of teenagers are set to explore career opportunities at a major annual careers event.
Careers Fest 2026, held at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium on March 18 and 19, is connecting secondary school students with businesses and employers from across the county.
The event is led by Enterprise Oxfordshire and its Oxfordshire Careers Hub.
Helen Brind, director of business and skills at Enterprise Oxfordshire, said: "Careers Fest continues to prove its value as a powerful meeting point between young people and employers, creating meaningful conversations at a pivotal stage in teenagers’ lives.
"At the same time, it offers businesses the chance to connect with the future workforce as they plan for growth.
"We’re delighted to once again deliver a flagship event for young people across the county and we strongly encourage parents and carers to attend the twilight session to be part of these important discussions."
More than 80 exhibitors are attending the two-day event, including businesses, universities, training providers, and further education colleges.
Around 3,000 teenagers from 30 Oxfordshire secondary schools, special schools, and further education colleges are expected to take part.
A twilight session for parents and carers is being held on Wednesday, March 18, from 4pm to 7pm.
Careers Fest offers students the chance to interact directly with employers, explore products and services, and discover career pathways.
Opportunities such as apprenticeships and work experience placements have been secured by attendees in previous years.
This year’s exhibitors include Siemens Healthineers, BMW Group, Owen Mumford, AirTanker, Oxford University Hospitals, and Blenheim Palace.
Enterprise Oxfordshire also uses the event to highlight the value of apprenticeships, supported by contributions from large companies to the apprenticeship levy fund.
By March 2025, Enterprise Oxfordshire had helped secure more than £5 million in pledged funds for small to medium-sized businesses, resulting in over 500 new apprenticeship placements.
Ms Brind said: "Through events such as Careers Fest and indeed, the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards which will take place in May, we’re helping businesses see both the value of apprenticeships and the opportunity they present right now.
"With tailored advice and support available from organisations like Enterprise Oxfordshire, employers have access to the guidance they need to get started or take their schemes further.
"This is just one strand of a wider programme focused on strengthening apprenticeship provision and funding across Oxfordshire and supporting businesses to grow their talent pipeline."
Careers Fest is supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company, which has worked in partnership with Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills for around a decade.
For more information or to attend the twilight session, visit www.enterpriseoxfordshireskills.com.
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