The Power of Events has reached more than 143,000 young people through its Schools Engagement Programme over the past academic year, underlining the industry's growing commitment to building its future workforce.
The organisation's 2025-2026 end-of-year report reveals that almost 500 engagements took place in schools across the UK, supported by more than 300 volunteer ambassadors from across the events industry. The programme now partners with more than 240 schools nationwide, with a further 150 expected to join during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Designed to introduce pupils to careers across seven sectors of the events industry, the programme connects young people with employers and showcases a range of routes into the profession, including apprenticeships, vocational education, higher education, work experience and entry-level roles.
The initiative now operates across nine UK regions with backing from more than 50 event businesses, enabling schools to participate free of charge while helping employers address long-term skills and recruitment challenges.
Looking ahead, The Power of Events will roll out its new Experience of Work Programme nationally this autumn following a successful pilot earlier this year. The initiative will give groups of young people behind-the-scenes access to event venues, businesses and live events through structured half and full-day workplace visits.
Participating organisations will receive guidance and practical resources covering safeguarding, health and safety, school liaison and programme delivery, making it easier for employers to host students and provide first-hand insight into careers in the sector.
Sophie Beasor, schools engagement programme lead at The Power of Events, said: "The most powerful part of this programme is the collective effort behind it. With the amazing sponsors' support across all regions and over 300 ambassadors stepping forward to share their knowledge, experiences and passion, they collectively are helping young people across the country see the events industry as somewhere they can belong and build a future."
The report also highlights the programme's alignment with the updated Gatsby Benchmarks, Provider Access Legislation and the Careers & Enterprise Company's EqualEx Framework, helping schools deliver more meaningful employer engagement while supporting a more inclusive approach to careers education.
