The Gold Coast's biggest and brightest career event is back and this year, it's breaking new ground.
Returning to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre this Wednesday, the Gold Coast Careers Festival is set to ignite futures, spark ambition and deliver career-defining opportunities with an exciting new addition: Careers Festival After Dark.
Presented by Experience Gold Coast the free two-day event is one of Queensland's largest and most dynamic career showcases, which brings together thousands of students, job seekers, career changers, educators and employers from across the region.
From aerospace to hospitality, creative industries to construction, this year's festival covers something for everyone and highlights the pathways into university, trades, vocational training and careers in industries like health, film, mining, defence and more.
"Our city's economy continues to grow with huge investment in key industries the length and breadth of the coast,'' said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
"With a robust economy, we want to do everything we can to open pathways for students and employers, maximising the opportunities which exist. The festival is a one-stop-shop to deliver timely information to students and all Gold Coasters with the program opening new networks for all involved."
"Through Council, Invest Gold Coast and Experience Gold Coast, we are committed to playing our part to offer the best career paths for Gold Coasters."
Attendees to the event can expect inspiring sessions and hands-on activations from universities, training institutions and a host of leading national and Gold Coast employers all while being entertained by dynamic MC, Sid the Entertainer.
Making its debut in the 2025 program, After Dark will come to life with a high-energy evening experience designed especially for career seekers and changers who want to explore new directions in a fun, fresh format. Set in a buzzing atmosphere complete with live entertainment, eats and drinks, and lucky door prizes, this is where networking gets a glow-up.
"This festival is all about opening doors for school leavers, career changers and anyone ready to take a leap," Experience Gold Coast Executive Director of Education Jennine Tax said.
"With the launch of After Dark, we're creating a whole new way to connect people with possibilities in a vibrant, inspiring setting."
Attendees can dive into emerging job trends, connect with industry leaders, and unlock practical advice for taking the next step. Plus, they'll have the chance to win one of two $3,000 spending sprees at Harbour Town Premium Outlets to kickstart their career makeover—including a one-on-one professional coaching session.
Guest speakers include Gold Coast social media sensation Nick Atkin aka Nicka35 and Get Ahead Job Platform's CEO, Sam McNamara.
"With the changes in how people work, paired with the world class education available right here on the Gold Coast, I'm proud to think of our city as the most desirable location for talent emerging and established," Nicka35 said.
"I believe this city will continue to grow and have significant opportunities for the creative, digital and entrepreneurial community now and even more so in the future."
For more information on the two-day program or to register for After Dark visit Careers Festival » Study Gold Coast
Images available via the toolkit here and the After Dark toolkit here.
CONTACT
Danielle Ford | 0487 002 022 | danielle.ford@experiencegoldcoast.com
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.