Early Careers Fair 2026 promotes opportunities in construction and manufacturing

On Saturday 17 January 2026 Plymouth’s leading construction and manufacturing businesses will take part in a huge joint apprenticeship, graduate and wider recruitment drive.

Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) have joined forces once again to organise an inspiring career showcase event happening on Saturday 17 January 2026, 10am to 2pm at Plymouth Argyle Home Park.

Aimed at engaging young people, their parents and carers, higher education leavers and recent graduates, as well as adults who are considering a career change, the event will promote the breadth of careers and the exciting new entrant opportunities available in and around Plymouth for 2026 and 2027 starts.

Recruiting construction employers exhibiting on the day include AECOM, Willmott Dixon,
ME Contracting, TEC Construction, Gilpin, Bell Group, BAM Construction, Ian Williams, Mercury Construction and Classic Builders.

Local training providers will be on hand to provide information about apprenticeship opportunities include City College Plymouth, Greenlight Safety and Training, The Focus Training Group and the Skills Group.

Cllr Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “It is brilliant to once again bring together our construction, built environment, manufacturing and engineering employers to showcase the fantastic opportunities available for launching early careers. With Significant investment in defence and the major infrastructure works in Devonport Dockyard, along with the investment in health and care facilities, and the drive to build thousands of new homes we have massive skills shortages. Our Fair will be the perfect place to get inspired through meeting local employers, to find out more about apprentice and graduate level opportunities across two of our biggest sectors and ultimately improve your chances of securing an early career opportunity – do not miss it!”

“Lee Crocker, Chair of the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group, and MD and Chair of Board at Kawasaki Precision Machinery said: “It is now 11 years since we ran our first early careers fair. Throughout this decade, we have recognised that a welcoming, family-friendly environment, as is created at this event, is key to helping our members meet future talent and showcase our busy and dynamic industry. Right now, many of our local manufacturers are recruiting across a range of experiences and skill sets with starts in 2026 and 2027. We’re looking to engage with young people and make them aware of our sector when they are making important career and training choices and we are also reaching out to all those considering a career change and military leavers looking to capitalise on their transferable skills. These future employees are critical to the growth and continued success of our businesses so we encourage anyone considering their next steps to come along to the fair and truly explore all the opportunities they could have with our organisations. They will be assured of a friendly and enthusiastic welcome from us all.”

There will be a chance to try your hand at taster activities, demonstrations, competitions, and also to meet current apprentices and graduates already working in these dynamic and growing industries.