Festival of Careers

March 19th 2027 | East Coast College, Lowestoft

The Festival of Careers is MENTA’s annual careers event, funded by East Suffolk Council and delivered in partnership with East Coast College, Lowestoft.

Launched in March 2025, the Festival is designed for young people in education — including those in schools, colleges, home education, and alternative provisions — to explore a wide variety of career paths and future opportunities.

Students can meet local and national employers, discover different industries, and learn about routes into work, apprenticeships, and further education. The event features hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and engaging talks, all aimed at helping students make informed choices about their futures.

Whether you’re looking to inspire your students or showcase your business to future talent, the Festival of Careers is a day dedicated to connecting ambition with opportunity.

Register Your Interest for 2027!

Whether you’re a school, business, education provider or young person looking to build skills, explore new paths, and make real-world connections – do not miss The Festival of Careers 2027!

Let us know you’re interested in exhibiting or attending …

The Festival of Careers Impact So Far...

Students

Businesses

Universities

I was very impressed with the event - an improvement on last year - it is evident that you listened to feedback from last year and acted on it which is very much appreciated (not that last year was bad!). I was very impressed with the number of employers present. The refreshments, lunch and goodie bag provided was a very welcome gesture and hugely appreciated. Thank you. Everything was fantastic. A really well organised and well attended event. One of the best I have been to - very well done.

This event exceeded our expectations by a mile. The students absolutely loved speaking to a wide range of businesses. The MENTA Money was a great way of getting the students to engage.

The event helped us connect with young people we wouldn't normally reach - we're already following up on work experience applications.

Great to see a mix of organisations at the event such as a mix of local and national, universities and local businesses and charities. Having such a variety was really valuable to the students, especially when wanting to explore options outside the local area too. Staff were helpful and great with the students. They really helped point them in the right directions and help them engage with the exhibitors.

It opened my eyes to how many other jobs exist in Lowestoft - I thought I would have to move away.