Record Attendance at CMETB Careers Event 2026

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) hosted its largest Careers Event to date on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan. More than 1,800 students from schools and Youthreach centres across Cavan and Monaghan attended, making it the best-attended event in its history.

The event brought together a broad range of higher education institutions, further education providers, apprenticeship and training programmes giving students the opportunity to explore the options available to them after school.

Throughout the day, students met directly with representatives from universities, technological universities, colleges of further education, apprenticeship and traineeship providers and public service organisations. Exhibitors provided information on courses, entry requirements, career opportunities and progression routes.

Among those attending were Cavan Institute, Monaghan Institute, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), University College Dublin (UCD), Ulster University, Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Edinburgh Napier University and Wrexham University. Students also engaged with representatives from The Irish Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, Credit Union’s from Cavan and Monaghan which offered practical advice on managing personal finances and planning for the costs associated with further study and training.

One of the largest events of its kind in the region, the CMETB Careers Event provides students with direct access to education, training and career information at a crucial stage in their educational journey. By bringing together a wide range of providers in a single location, the event enables students to compare options, ask questions and gain valuable insights into their future opportunities.

The event also ensures that students across Cavan and Monaghan can access a comprehensive careers exhibition close to home. By bringing education and training providers together in one location, CMETB helps reduce the travel and financial costs often associated with attending other events elsewhere in the country.

Paddy Flood, Director of Schools at CMETB, said:

“The strong attendance at this year’s Careers Event highlights the value students and schools place on having access to high-quality careers information locally. Bringing such a wide range of universities, colleges and further education providers together in one venue gives students the opportunity to explore their options and make informed decisions about their next steps.”

The annual event continues to play an important role in ensuring that students across Cavan and Monaghan can access a wide range of education, training and career opportunities close to home.