The Royal Bath & West Society is launching a new careers and skills event for young people in the South West, with around 50 employers, universities, colleges and training providers expected to attend.

The South West Future Fair takes place on Wednesday 18 November 2026 in the Showering Pavilion at the Bath & West Showground, running during the early evening so students and parents can attend outside school hours. It is aimed at secondary school, sixth form and college students who are exploring future opportunities and preparing for the world of work.

The society expects between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors at the first event. Exhibitors will include employers, universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and training organisations from across the region, giving young people the chance to ask about jobs, courses, apprenticeships and the skills different careers need.

A new event for the showground

The fair is part of the society's expanding educational offering at the showground. It is a new event rather than an established annual fixture, and the society has not yet published a list of the individual employers attending.

The Royal Bath & West Society, which runs the showground at Shepton Mallet in Somerset, says the event is designed to help young people in the region explore the full range of routes open to them — from university and college to apprenticeships and direct entry into work — and to speak to the people who offer them.

Students and parents planning to attend should check the Bath & West Showground website for final timings and visitor information nearer the date, as the event is still three weeks away and details may change.

Sources: Event Planner News (NOEA), The Royal Bath & West Society launches South West Future Fair to inspire the region's next generation of talent, 2 November 2026; Somerset Chamber, The Royal Bath & West Society launches South West Future Fair, 2026. The venue's own social channels also list the Southwest Futures Fair for 18 November.