The Gold Coast’s largest and most anticipated career showcase is back—bigger, brighter, and breaking new ground. The 2025 Gold Coast Careers Festival returns this Wednesday to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, bringing with it two full days of inspiration, opportunity and a bold new addition: Careers Festival After Dark.
Presented by Experience Gold Coast, the free event is one of Queensland’s leading career expos, drawing thousands of high school students, job seekers, career changers, educators and employers from across the region.
Whether you’re interested in aerospace, construction, creative industries or healthcare, the festival offers hands-on activations and expert advice from universities, TAFEs, training providers and major employers—opening up pathways into trades, vocational training, higher education and fast-growing industries.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the festival plays a vital role in connecting people with opportunities in a booming local economy.
“With a robust economy and massive investment in key sectors, we want to open as many pathways as possible for students and jobseekers,” he said.
“The festival is a one-stop-shop for timely, relevant career information—and we’re proud to support it through Council, Invest Gold Coast and Experience Gold Coast.”
This year, the festival introduces an exciting new concept: Careers Festival After Dark—a vibrant, high-energy evening event designed for career seekers and changers ready to explore fresh opportunities in a fun and social atmosphere. With live music, food trucks, drinks, lucky door prizes, and a buzzing vibe, After Dark brings a fresh format to the career expo experience.
Jennine Tax, Executive Director of Education at Experience Gold Coast, said After Dark was created to help people reimagine their careers in an exciting new light.
“This festival is about opening doors—whether you’re leaving school or making a mid-life career pivot. With After Dark, we’re creating a whole new way to connect people with possibility,” she said.
The festival will also feature headline guest speakers including Nick Atkin (aka Nicka35), a local social media personality with over a million followers, and Sam McNamara, CEO of Get Ahead Job Platform.
“The Gold Coast is fast becoming the most desirable place in Australia for emerging and established talent,” said Nicka35.
“There’s a real future here for creatives, entrepreneurs and digital professionals—and this festival is a key part of building that future.”
Attendees will also go in the draw to win one of two $3,000 Harbour Town Premium Outlets spending sprees, complete with professional career coaching to kickstart their next move.
Careers Festival
Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
Wednesday 21 May – Thursday 22 May
After Dark: Evening of 21 May
Free Entry | Registration Required
careersfestival.com.au
