Release date: 15 January 2026
The third TeenTech Sussex Festival, which was initiated by the West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Careers Hub, brought together schools and universities along with local, national and international companies to provide interactive activities where students could see firsthand the range of career opportunities open to them in science, technology, engineering and creative arts.
On the day, 300 students attended the event in-person taking part in tasks and challenges with a wide range of companies building their self-confidence and understanding of different industry sectors which they may not have known about, or thought were not for ‘people like me’. 1,000 students also engaged in an innovation session, following an up-front virtual session, which inspires them to come up with their own ideas to make life ‘better, simpler, safer or more fun.’ They can then enter the annual TeenTech Awards which celebrates the best ideas from around the UK.
Cllr Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills said: “West Sussex County Council is committed to helping young people in the county understand the wide range of career pathways open to them and to feel inspired as they begin to think about their future.
“Providing opportunities for students to explore different industries, develop awareness of real-world skills, and engage directly with employers is a vital part of this. It was excellent to attend the event and see how the Careers Hub and TeenTech worked together to offer an excellent introduction to the innovative and exciting industries based in our own county. This work supports our wider Economic Strategy ambition to ensure a dynamic and skilled workforce where business engagement in careers and talent development is strengthened`.
Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “It was an honour to attend the third annual TeenTech event, which gives young people the chance to explore career opportunities across an exciting range of industries.
“It was an inspiring and engaging day that enabled young people from across the region to connect with local employers and hear first-hand what working in science, technology, engineering and creative arts is like.
“Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to building a better future for children and young people by delivering services that support health, wellbeing and employability.
“We’re achieving this through initiatives such as our Youth Employment Hub; changing school admissions to tackle inequality, create greater equity of opportunity and improve educational outcomes; and supporting the refurbishment of Brighton Youth Centre.”
Lisa Mobbs, Strategic HubLead, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub said:
“West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Careers Hub is thrilled to be partnering with TeenTech for a third year to deliver the TeenTech Sussex Festival this November at the AMEX Stadium in Brighton. It’s an incredible opportunity to inspire and engage students through a creative, hands-on Modern Work Experience, and to build on the fantastic impact of previous festivals. The innovation and enthusiasm at this year’s event was incredible!”
International, national companies and universities that hosted interactive activities for the students included Lead Regional Sponsor London Gatwick Airport, Regional Sponsors Rampion Wind Farm, AWS, Arup and Thakeham, together with BBC R&D, Boeing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Airware Solutions, Ricardo, Shoreham Port, National Cyber Force, RAF, British Army, Mackley, Plextek, Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Volker Highways, University of Chichester, Brighton Metropolitan College, Viridien, Rampion Wind Farm, WSP, Tilbury Douglas, Rise Academy, Oracle and Innovationin. Thanks also to sponsors Commvault.