Inspiring the Next Generation at the Young Citizens Work Experience Festival 2026
430 students. 19 schools. Two unforgettable days of innovation, learning and opportunity.
This summer, Northumbrian Water welcomed 430 Year 10 students from across the North East to the Young Citizens Work Experience Festival 2026, held as part of our annual Innovation Festival at Newcastle Racecourse. The event brought together students, industry partners, volunteers and colleagues to deliver an exciting, hands-on work experience programme designed to inspire future talent and open doors to new career possibilities.
Northumbrian Water Young Citizens Work Experience Festival 2026
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Work experience is becoming increasingly difficult for many young people to access, yet it remains one of the most important ways to explore careers and build confidence. The Young Citizens Work Experience Festival was created to help bridge that gap, providing meaningful employer engagement at scale and introducing students to a wide range of career opportunities they may never have considered.
Over two action-packed days, students stepped out of the classroom and into a world of creativity, innovation and problem-solving. As well as gaining insight into careers within the water industry, participants explored opportunities in engineering, sustainability, environmental science, digital technology, construction, sport and project management.
Developing Skills for the Future
The festival focused on helping students build the employability skills that employers value most. Through practical challenges and collaborative activities, students developed:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Sustainability Awareness
Feedback showed that teamwork, communication, problem solving and creativity were among the most improved skills reported by students
An Experience Like No Other
Every day began with inspiring keynote sessions from high-profile speakers who shared their personal journeys, challenges and successes. This year, students heard from:
- Tim FitzHigham, Comedian and Author
- Ant Morse, Leading Futurist
- Jodie Ounsley, England & GB International Rugby Player and Fury from Gladiators
- Eddie The Eagle Edwards – Britain’s ski jumping underdog
Their inspirational stories encouraged students to think differently, challenge themselves and explore the many paths available to them.
Students then took part in six interactive workshops delivered by Northumbrian Water and our partner organisations.
Activities included:
- The Science of Basketball with Newcastle Eagles
- Hydrogen 2040 with Teesside University
- Sustainable Project Management with Mott MacDonald Bentley
- City Planners Challenge with Stantec
- Water Transport Challenge with Avove
- Weaving Nature with The National Trust
- Career Toolkit with VPPL
- Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork with NWG Academy
- Careers Fair and Industry Activities with NWG, Costain and GeoPura
From designing flood-resilient cities and building sustainable bridges to learning interview skills and creating a giant woven salmon sculpture, every workshop encouraged students to learn by doing.
The Impact
The results speak for themselves:
- 430 students attended from across the North East.
- 19 schools took part.
- 64 NWG volunteers supported the schools at the event
- 94% rated their experience as good, very good or excellent.
- Students identified the variety of activities, learning new skills, and support from NWG buddies and volunteers as the best aspects of the event.
What Students Said
The festival generated hundreds of positive comments from students, teachers and partners.
“I was surprised at the varied opportunities and career options at Northumbrian Water.”
“I felt more confident working with and sharing ideas with people than I did before.”
“I loved the whole festival experience and the workers and helpers are really nice.”
“I learned teamwork is important and works when communication is clear and understood.”
Teachers and delivery partners were equally enthusiastic:
“The feedback from the students and staff was so positive. They all had an amazing time.”
“It was very well organised, with a very positive atmosphere
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Young Citizens Work Experience Festival will return in 2027, building on another successful year of inspiring young people and helping them discover the skills, careers and opportunities available to them.
If you are a school interested in taking part next year and would like priority information when registration opens, we'd love to hear from you.
Register Interest for Young Citizens Work Experience 2027
Together, we're helping to build a brighter future for the next generation.
