Cumbria’s annual careers festival for young people is set to be the biggest yet.
The Festival of Work 2026 will welcome 1,100 students from 11 schools on Thursday, 9 July.
More than 80 businesses representing a wide spectrum of industry sectors will be showcasing the roles and careers they have to offer at the festival, which takes place at Lakes College, Lillyhall.
While the Festival of Work retains a focus on the construction, engineering and nuclear sectors, the 2026 event includes other sectors facing skills shortages such as hospitality and public services.
The expansion is a result of a new partnership with Josh MacAlister OBE MP for Whitehaven and Workington, who will attend the festival and host workshops as a sponsor.
Careers available will be brought to life through a huge exhibition across the Lakes College site, which includes the BEC Construction Skills Centre and National College for Nuclear.
More than 50 interactive workshops will give students an even greater insight into opportunities on their doorstep, along with help and guidance on practical skills, such as CV writing and building a personal brand.
Professor Pumpernickel will also return to inspire and enthuse young people about the sciences through his energetic – and sometimes explosive – performances.
The Festival of Work is organised by social enterprise All Together Cumbria, which works with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support young people and adults on their journey into the world of work, while supporting the needs of local industry.
The event is being delivered in partnership with Lakes College, with sponsors including Morgan Sindall Infrastructure (which owns All Together Cumbria), Morgan Sindall Construction, AssetForward, Cavendish Nuclear, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick, Orano, and Selwood Ltd.
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.”
Josh MacAlister added: “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.”
