Registration Opens for the 2026 Young Adult and Graduate Fair

Young adults and graduates looking to take their first or next career steps in the Isle of Man are encouraged to register for the 2026 Young Adult and Graduate Fair sponsored by Zurich on the Isle of Man.

The 2026 event will take place on Wednesday 1 April 2026, from 11am to 4pm at the Villa Marina in Douglas, with free registration now open for attendees.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event hosted by Locate Isle of Man, part of the Department for Enterprise, highlights the broad and diverse employment opportunities available for people living in the Isle of Man, and those considering relocating or returning to the Island.

Last year’s event welcomed more than 250 delegates and featured 57 exhibiting businesses. Post-event feedback was unanimously positive, with every attending employer confirming the event’s value. Attendees also benefitted, with approximately 52 hired as a direct result of meeting exhibitors at the event, including 10 linked to volunteer roles, and two attendees receiving support for professional qualifications.

To date, 47 businesses have registered to exhibit at the 2026 event, with representation from a wide range of sectors including, Healthcare, Finance, IT & Technology, iGaming, Maritime, Education, Not for Profit and Public Services, in addition to a number of the Island’s recruitment agencies.

Hospitality and Emergency Services exhibitors will also be taking part in 2026, in addition to a wider presence from the Construction and Engineering sector. 

Karen Mercer, Head of HR for Zurich in the Isle of Man, headline sponsor for this year’s event, added:

‘Zurich on the Isle of Man is delighted to be headline sponsor for the third consecutive year. We believe in the importance of supporting young talent and this event aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic workforce in the Isle of Man. We are excited to be part of an initiative that not only showcases the diverse career opportunities available, but also contributes to the Island as a whole.’

Locate Isle of Man is committed to growing the event year on year and is currently working with Lancaster University and the University of Liverpool with the aim of supporting and facilitating the attendance of a cohort of Manx and UK-based students from each institution. In addition, due to the event taking place in school term time, Locate Isle of Man is collaborating with local high schools to provide transport to and from the event.'

Ann Corlett MHK, Political Member for Locate Isle of Man, commented:

‘Attracting and retaining young people and helping businesses to fill available roles is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of our economy, a strategic ambition of the Island Plan.

‘The Young Adult & Graduate Fair enables attendees to network and connect with exhibiting businesses, hear from inspiring speakers and gain invaluable information about the many career opportunities and roles in the Isle of Man.’

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with over 50 hiring employers across a range of sectors, and walk away with valuable career tips and advice, and an understanding of the current skills in demand, emerging roles of tomorrow and the benefits of living and working in the Isle of Man.

To reserve a free ticket for the 2026 event, please visit www.locate.im/gradfair