Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the frequently asked questions we get asked about the Orkney Careers Fair. If your questions has not been answered, please contact the planning team on [email protected], who will be happy to help you.
When and where is the Orkney Careers Fair taking place?
The fourth Orkney Careers Fair will be held on Thursday 1 October 2026, in The Arena, Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1LR.
The event will be open to the public from 9.30am-6pm.
The event will be open to the public from 9.30am-6pm.
I am travelling to the event from outwith Orkney, how do I get there?
Regular flights are available to Orkney from Shetland, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh through Loganair. Ferry Travel is also available with short crossings available through Scrabster from Northlink Ferries and Gill’s Bay (near John O’Groats) from Pentland Ferries.
We recommend you book as soon as possible to take advantage of cheaper fares.
If you require accommodation, this should be booked as soon as possible. Orkney is a popular tourist destination and finding somewhere to stay at short notice can be difficult. The Orkney.com website has a search function for accommodation.
Stagecoach operates the JET (service 4) bus service from Kirkwall Airport into Kirkwall, which runs every 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Taxis can be booked through Craigie’s Taxis on (01856) 878 787.
We recommend you book as soon as possible to take advantage of cheaper fares.
If you require accommodation, this should be booked as soon as possible. Orkney is a popular tourist destination and finding somewhere to stay at short notice can be difficult. The Orkney.com website has a search function for accommodation.
Stagecoach operates the JET (service 4) bus service from Kirkwall Airport into Kirkwall, which runs every 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Taxis can be booked through Craigie’s Taxis on (01856) 878 787.
What will be provided at my stand?
Every exhibitor will be provided with a table, however there will be no display boards provided. You are welcome to bring along your own display boards, pop-up banners, promotional displays, interactive activities, etc. as there will be sufficient space for these. If you have any special requirements, please contact the planning team to discuss these in more detail.
We can also provide tablecloths if required. Please request this when booking, or by contacting the planning team by emailing [email protected].
Unfortunately, we cannot give you exact measurements for your stand area. You can view photos of the set up from 2022 to help you visualise the space. Click here to view images.
We can also provide tablecloths if required. Please request this when booking, or by contacting the planning team by emailing [email protected].
Unfortunately, we cannot give you exact measurements for your stand area. You can view photos of the set up from 2022 to help you visualise the space. Click here to view images.
What size will the table at my stand be?
There are four table sizes available, they are:
Trestle Table (243cm x 74cm)
Round Table (154cm diameter)
Large Rectangle Table (110cm x 55cm)
Small Square Table (60cm x 60cm)
Tables will be allocated by the planning team based on availability. Due to the number of tables available, we cannot guarantee the table size you will receive. Exhibitors are welcome to provide their own tables if they would prefer. If you decide to do this, please let the planning team know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]
Trestle Table (243cm x 74cm)
Round Table (154cm diameter)
Large Rectangle Table (110cm x 55cm)
Small Square Table (60cm x 60cm)
Tables will be allocated by the planning team based on availability. Due to the number of tables available, we cannot guarantee the table size you will receive. Exhibitors are welcome to provide their own tables if they would prefer. If you decide to do this, please let the planning team know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]
Will my stand have access to a power socket?
While there is power available, this will not be easily accessible to every stand. If you require electricity for your stand, please let the planning team know as soon as possible to help with the floor plan, but we would ask that you only request access to power if it is absolutely necessary.
I am an exhibitor travelling from outwith Orkney, can I get promotional material delivered to the venue?
It will be possible for exhibitors from outwith Orkney to send promotional items up in advance of the event. We will share details of where materials can be sent nearer the date of the event.
How many people do you expect to attend the event?
The event will be open to the public from 9.30am-6pm. Exhibitors are required to remain for the duration of the event.
It will be attended by senior pupils from the local Secondary Schools and Junior High Schools. The itinerary for the day and pupil numbers will be shared nearer the time of the event, to help you plan your staffing.
In addition to school pupils, the event will also be open to the public. This will include parents and carers, teachers, adults looking for a change in career or to return to work following a career break.
At the 2026 event, over 900 people attended the event throughout the day. We would recommend you prepare for a similar number this year.
It will be attended by senior pupils from the local Secondary Schools and Junior High Schools. The itinerary for the day and pupil numbers will be shared nearer the time of the event, to help you plan your staffing.
In addition to school pupils, the event will also be open to the public. This will include parents and carers, teachers, adults looking for a change in career or to return to work following a career break.
At the 2026 event, over 900 people attended the event throughout the day. We would recommend you prepare for a similar number this year.
What age group is this event aimed at?
The Orkney Careers Fair is open to pupils in S4-S6, students at UHI Orkney, parents and carers and, the general public.
School pupils in S4-S6 are potential school leavers and, along with college and university students, are potential future employees considering their next steps, finding out what job they may be eligible for as well as alternative training and studying options. They may also be looking for work placements to help them develop employability skills.
Parents and carers may attend to find out additional information to support discussions and decision-making back home with their children. They will be looking for practical information to support these discussions.
Other attendees may include individuals looking to return to work after a career break or those looking to make a career change. They will be interested in the opportunities available with your organisation - including those that offer flexibility to fit in with other responsibilities - the skills and experience you look for and details of any development opportunities that may exist.
School pupils in S4-S6 are potential school leavers and, along with college and university students, are potential future employees considering their next steps, finding out what job they may be eligible for as well as alternative training and studying options. They may also be looking for work placements to help them develop employability skills.
Parents and carers may attend to find out additional information to support discussions and decision-making back home with their children. They will be looking for practical information to support these discussions.
Other attendees may include individuals looking to return to work after a career break or those looking to make a career change. They will be interested in the opportunities available with your organisation - including those that offer flexibility to fit in with other responsibilities - the skills and experience you look for and details of any development opportunities that may exist.
How long will I have to stay at the event?
The Orkney Careers Fair will be open to the public from 9.30am-6pm. We are staying open until 6pm to enable parents, carers and member of the public to come along as well.
Exhibitors are required to remain for the duration of the event.
The event will be quieter after 4pm, so you may want to keep this in mind when it comes to organising the staffing for your stand. In 2026, over 120 people attended the event between 3.30pm and 6pm. These could be your future employees, so it is important you are available to speak to them.
Exhibitors are required to remain for the duration of the event.
The event will be quieter after 4pm, so you may want to keep this in mind when it comes to organising the staffing for your stand. In 2026, over 120 people attended the event between 3.30pm and 6pm. These could be your future employees, so it is important you are available to speak to them.
I am unable to stay for the duration of the event, what can I do?
If there is any reason why you cannot stay until 6pm, please contact the planning team to discuss this further. The team can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or call, (01856) 569 353.
Will refreshments be provided for exhibitors?
Lunch and refreshments (tea, coffee and water) will be provided to all exhibitors free of charge, these will be available throughout the day in the Leisure Pool Viewing Gallery.
There will be water coolers located around the centre, so please take a reusable water bottle with you.
There is also a café available at the Pickaquoy Centre where you will be able to purchase refreshments throughout the day.
There will be water coolers located around the centre, so please take a reusable water bottle with you.
There is also a café available at the Pickaquoy Centre where you will be able to purchase refreshments throughout the day.
Will dietary requirements be catered for?
If you, or any members of your team have any special dietary requirements, please let us know by Friday 11 September 2026, so we can ensure an alternative meal is provided.