Projects
2026 Manchester Employability Day (28 May)
The 2026 Manchester Employability Day in numbers
Young visitors 10 to 19 yo enjoyed
- The range of opportunities offered by all organisations
- The raffle/prizes incl. MSV Housing’s spontaneous £50 voucher
- The role models’ guidance and coaching
- Manchester Uni, Young Manchester & Rise Up’s young hosts
- The interactive building site from Sistahs in Construction
- A BBC breakfast crew filmed Alex Batty discussing opportunities of young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
- The Career StartUp offered by MEaP and 3E Web Media Ltd
Local organisations attended
Young Manchester, University of Manchester, UA92, Trafford College, Taylor Wimpey, SmartWorks, Sistahs in Construction, Royal Air Force (RAF), Rise Up, Reach Society, Pathfinder Educational Limited, Octopus Energy, Nurturing Foundations, MSV Housing, Making Education a Priority (MEaP), Louise DaCocodia Trust, Home Office, Highway Hope, Grace Incorporation Faith Trust (GIFT) Academy, Equal Education Chances, End2End Talent Solutions, Deloitte, (The) British Army, Arden University, ANS, ADA National Digital College, Action for Race Equality (ARE), and 3E Web Media Ltd.
About the 2026 Manchester Employability Day
Following the incredible success of our previous gatherings (the 2025 Manchester Employability Day), Making Education a Priority (MEaP) and Reach Society are thrilled to announce the 4th Manchester Employability Day. On Thursday 28 May 2026, MEaP is once again joining forces with the Reach Society and our local partners to host an inspirational day of discovery, networking, and mentorship at the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse.
This annual flagship event is specifically designed to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity for young people in our community, particularly those aged 11 to 25. Our mission remains steadfast: to address underachievement and provide a clear pathway to success by connecting young talent with professional role models from their own communities.
A tribute to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer
Professor Sir Geoff Palmer (1940–2025) is a trailblazing scientist, intellectual giant and long-time Reach Society patron. By connecting young people with professional role models, the event carries forward the mission of the Sir Geoff Palmer Award to empower the next generation. It celebrates a man who broke barriers as Scotland’s first Black professor and dedicated his life to fostering social justice and equal opportunity.
What to Expect on the 2026 Manchester Employability Day
The Manchester Employability Day is more than just a careers fair; it is a platform for transformation. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to:
- Join the University of Manchester themed session, an inspirational talk from a 1st year student
- Join the tribute presentation from Reach Society about their late Patron, Emeritus Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
- Meet and interact with trailblazers, professional men and women from the community who have excelled in various fields, from tech and law to the arts and public service.
- Explore career pathways and engage with a diverse cohort of exhibitors from the public, private, and third sectors to learn about apprenticeships, graduate roles, and entry-level opportunities.
- Learn from the panel of experts to gain insights from leaders who understand the local landscape and are dedicated to helping the next generation thrive.
- Participate in a free raffle and prize draw: All young people who register and attend will receive a raffle ticket for the Prize Draw at the event. The prizes shall be:
– Reach Society books
– A Sony Headphones
– A JD sports voucher
– A Store voucher
The 2026 Manchester Employability Day Event Details at a Glance
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Doors open at 9:55 am)
Location: Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, 141 Princess Road, Manchester, M14 4RB
Target Audience: Young people aged 11–25, parents, and carers.
Entry: Free but you must be registered.
Why the 2026 Manchester Employability Day Matters
At MEaP, we believe that “it takes a village” to raise a child and a community to build a career. By showcasing the success stories within our own community, we provide young people with “social proof” that their goals are attainable. By bringing employers and future employees together, we give young people a glance at what is possible and an opportunity to interact with employers and inform their own career defining decision-making. Whether you are a student exploring your first steps after school, a university graduate looking for your next move, or a parent seeking ways to support your child’s aspirations, this day is for you.
We encourage all attendees aged 16 and under to be accompanied by a responsible adult. This event is a collective effort to ensure that our young people become confident learners and active citizens, ready to make viable transitions into adult life.
Don’t miss out on this day of inspiration and empowerment. Register your interest today for the 2026 Manchester Employability day and help us make education—and your future—a priority!