Welsh employers are being invited to connect with hundreds of students and graduates when GradCon Cymru returns to Cardiff this September.
Taking place at DEPOT Cardiff on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September, the two-day graduate careers event will bring businesses and emerging talent together through face-to-face conversations, networking and career-focused activities.
The event follows the success of the inaugural GradCon Cymru in 2025, a one-day event which welcomed more than 500 students and graduates from universities across the UK, alongside over 50 employers.
The connections made at last year's event led to tangible recruitment outcomes, with Enterprise Mobility appointing a graduate it met at GradCon Cymru – one of three shortlisted for final interview – and JCP Solicitors also appointing a graduate following the event.
Emma James, People and Culture Advisor at JCP Solicitors, said:
“GradCon is a fantastic opportunity to meet so many talented and ambitious graduates from across South Wales. It is encouraging to speak with individuals who are beginning to explore their career options and are eager to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained through their studies.
“Events like GradCon play an important role in connecting graduates with employers and showcasing the wide range of opportunities available to them.”
Alex Thomas, who joined JCP Solicitors as a Graduate Legal Assistant after attending GradCon Cymru, said:
“GradCon helped me understand what I wanted from my career and what type of workplace culture would be the best fit for me. Being able to speak directly with people from the firm – I spoke to Emma, who was instrumental in helping me join JCP – made a far greater impact than simply researching online.
“That conversation helped my application stand out, which ultimately led to me securing my new role, where I am now on the pathway to qualification as a solicitor.”
GradCon Cymru will return with an expanded two-day format in 2026. Tuesday 8 September will be open to students and graduates from all degree disciplines, while Wednesday 9 September will focus specifically on STEM subjects and careers.
Cardiff Capital Region and CSconnected will join the event as headline sponsors, alongside Companies House as headline exhibitor.
Rowena O'Sullivan, Regional Skills & Talent Senior Manager at Cardiff Capital Region, said:
“GradCon Cymru creates an important bridge between graduate talent and the organisations shaping the future of our economy. By bringing employers and candidates together face-to-face, it gives young people the chance to discover rewarding careers in Wales, while helping businesses build the skilled and diverse workforce they need to grow.
“At Cardiff Capital Region, we are committed to retaining and attracting talent, supporting inclusive growth, and strengthening the connections between education and industry. We are proud to be headline sponsors of an event that helps more graduates access high-quality career opportunities and contributes to the development of the skilled workforce needed to drive future economic growth across South East Wales.”
Dr Owain James, founder of GradCon organiser Darogan, said:
“Last year showed us exactly what can happen when employers and graduates are given the opportunity to meet properly. These were not simply brief conversations at an exhibition stand. They led to interviews, job offers and talented graduates beginning their careers with employers here in Wales.
“For businesses, GradCon Cymru is an opportunity to build their future talent pipeline, raise awareness of their organisation and meet candidates from universities across Wales and the rest of the UK. We are looking forward to creating even more successful connections when the event returns this September.”
Exhibiting employers will also be invited to a networking brunch and receive unlimited street food and barista coffee throughout the day, alongside access to professional event photography.
The first hour of each day will operate as a Quiet Hour, providing a calmer and more accessible environment for candidates who may benefit from reduced noise and fewer people.
Headline sponsorship opportunities have now been filled, but a limited number of exhibition spaces and sector sponsorship packages remain available.
