Social mobility careers festival in London welcomes 750 students

A unique cross between a careers fair, a TED talk and a music festival, the PowerUp Fest 2024 took place this week inspiring many.

The event welcomed 750 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to network with professionals and engage in practical workshops.

Peppo C.I.C. organised the event with the help of Young Professionals. Peppo is a not-for-profit social enterprise that helps young people reach their full potential through tutoring and career-focused programmes.

The organisation provides free one-to-one tutoring to students who couldn’t otherwise afford it, funded by tutoring those who can afford it.

Founder, Adrian Levy, said:

'We wanted to re-imagine the traditional careers fair. We think it’s time to move away from the dusty school hall where parents stand behind trestle tables trying to convince students to choose their careers. We want to educate students on their options and make them feel motivated, engaged and inspired about their future.'

Money from the PowerUp Fest goes towards helping provide free tutoring to more students referred from food banks or community centres.

Adrian added, 'we want every young person to know that their background does not define them or limit their opportunities.'

After all, who is going to forget a careers festival with a barbeque, live music, a magician and caricaturist?