Both higher education institutions, recognizing the growing demand from employers for talent and young people’s ambition to plan their career paths already during school or studies, decided to join forces instead of pursuing separate initiatives. The aim is to create the largest career event in Western Lithuania, bringing together school students, university students, higher education institutions, and business representatives.
“This partnership shows that higher education can act in unity and pursue a common goal – to help a young person discover their path. By combining the strengths of KU and KVK, we are creating a space where talent meets opportunity. We want every school student and university student to see that they can start building their future already now,” says Klaipėda University Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas.
Director of Klaipėda State College Dr. Remigijus Kinderis states: “The Western Lithuania region stands out for its unique identity – here, the port, business, innovation, and higher education come together. Initiatives like this not only showcase the region’s potential but also become an important tool for attracting more young people to Klaipėda, encouraging them to study here, build their professional future, and strengthen the attractiveness of the city and the entire region.”
The joint decision by KU and KVK to organize one large career event instead of previously held separate career days marks a new stage of cooperation. The organizers aim for “EMPLOY THE FUTURE 2026” to become not only a space for networking and opportunities but also a real springboard into a professional career. During the event, companies will present job and internship opportunities, direct meetings with potential employers will take place, and school students and university students will be able to better explore career prospects in Klaipėda, the region, and across Lithuania.
The initiative is also actively supported by the business community – the Klaipėda Association of Industrialists (KPA) and the Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts. Business representatives have been involved from the very first discussions in shaping the concept of the event, emphasizing that conversations about career opportunities with young people should start as early as possible. “Today it is clear: talent development requires partnership between educational institutions and employers. Only through close cooperation can we ensure that young people’s knowledge and skills match real labor market needs. Such initiatives help young people understand their career direction earlier, while allowing us to build a strong, competitive workforce,” says KPA President Rimantas Juška.
The organizers hope that the career day “EMPLOY THE FUTURE 2026” will become an annual tradition and eventually grow into a strong Western Lithuania platform where professional choices, partnerships, and future career decisions are born.
