More than 1,000 students are set to take part in a major careers festival in Cumbria next month.
The 2026 Festival of Work will take place on Thursday, July 9, at Lakes College in Lillyhall, and will welcome 1,100 students from 11 schools across the region.
More than 80 businesses have signed up to showcase career opportunities at the event.
Andy Dodds, social enterprise manager at All Together Cumbria, said: "It is amazing to see the support for the Festival of Work continue to grow, with more schools, businesses and sponsors involved than ever before.
"It has never been more important for students to have sight of local career opportunities and be inspired to pursue them – for their own success and the success of local businesses, which are looking to overcome skills shortages by building a strong pipeline of future talent."
The event is led by All Together Cumbria, a social enterprise that works with public and private sector stakeholders to support people of all ages in accessing employment opportunities.
It is delivered in partnership with Lakes College, with backing from sponsors including Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Morgan Sindall Construction, AssetForward, Cavendish Nuclear, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick, Orano, and Selwood Ltd.
While the festival maintains a focus on construction, engineering, and the nuclear sector, it has broadened its focus to include other industries experiencing skills gaps, such as hospitality and public services.
This expansion is the result of a new partnership with Josh MacAlister OBE, the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, who will attend the festival and host workshops.
Mr MacAlister said: "The Festival of Work is a brilliant opportunity to show young people in West Cumbria the exciting careers that are available right here on their doorstep.
"From nuclear and engineering to construction, hospitality, public services and the growing industries of the future, our area has huge potential.
"But too often young people do not get the chance to see these opportunities up close or understand the different routes into them.
"That is why this festival matters.
"It brings schools, employers and training providers together in one place, giving students practical advice, inspiration and the confidence to think big about their future.
"I am delighted to be sponsoring this year’s event, which is set to be the biggest yet, and I want every young person who attends to leave knowing there is a path for them to build a great career here in West Cumbria."
The festival will feature a large exhibition spread across the Lakes College site, including the BEC Construction Skills Centre and the National College for Nuclear.
More than 50 interactive workshops will be on offer, covering practical skills such as CV writing and personal branding.
For something a little different, science performer Professor Pumpernickel will make a return appearance with his educational and entertaining demonstrations.
The Festival of Work is designed to give young people a hands-on experience of the opportunities available in Cumbria, helping them to explore career paths and build connections with potential employers.
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