Portsmouth City Council is launching My Future Fest, a new pilot event designed to make it easier for local people to learn about job opportunities, training courses and skills support available across the city. The event will take place during half term on 17 February at Buckland Community Centre and 18 February, at Paulsgrove Community Centre.

The initiative aims to reach people who may not usually engage with employment services, including unemployed adults, people with low skills, and young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs). Organisers also recognise that some people face barriers to attending formal career events, so My Future Fest will be more accessible and include free family activities including a bouncy castle, soft play and face painting.

Cllr. Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council with responsibility for economic development said: “My Future Fest is an important step in making sure every person has a fair chance to build the skills and confidence they need for work. By bringing training providers and employers directly into our communities, we are making support easier to reach the people who will benefit from it most. I encourage residents to come along, speak to our teams and explore the opportunities available to them.”

My Future Fest will bring together employers, training providers and skills specialists such as Mountjoy, SLR Local, Solent Growth Partnership, City of Portsmouth College, Community Learning Service, Motiv8 and Seekers Create. Local people will be able to find out about local job opportunities, entry‑level and work‑ready training programmes, careers information plus guidance and opportunities in future technologies, the creative industries, construction, and marine & logistics.

The aim is to provide clear, practical information for people who want to build confidence, gain new skills or find a route into work. The events also support parents, carers and adults who may need help with employment, skills development or wider well‑being needs through referral partners.

My Future Fest is a free drop in event from 11am to 2pm. Find out more at: portsmouth.gov.uk/my-future-fest