The START! Forum des métiers careers fair returns to Forum Fribourg, in Granges-Paccot, from Tuesday 23 to Sunday 28 February 2027. Young people aged 12 to 18 can discover more than 200 professions with the people who practise them.
The story
The START! forum was created in 2007 in the canton of Fribourg. It is held every two years. The edition planned for February 2021 was postponed because of Covid-19. The forum brings employers and the State of Fribourg together around careers guidance for young people.
The 11th edition took place from 18 to 23 February 2025 at Forum Fribourg. It welcomed nearly 27,000 visitors, including about 8,000 lower secondary pupils. It featured 65 stands over 7,500 m² and more than 100 workshops and demonstrations. According to the canton, it broke all attendance records.
In 2025 the forum spread over two floors, as Forum Fribourg was also becoming a leisure venue. The organisers found that this layout made it easier for visitors to move around. The best stand award went to “Métiers de la Terre” (Careers of the Land), a joint stand by AGRI Fribourg, the Forest and Nature Service and JardinSuisse Fribourg.
In May 2025 the organising committee decided unanimously to stay at Forum Fribourg for 2027. A survey of exhibitors and schools showed a clear preference for the venue. Its location near a motorway exit makes access easy for schools and families. Professional associations and the cantonal government backed the choice.
Who organises it
The forum is organised by the Association du Forum des métiers. It brings together the Fribourg Employers’ Union, the Fribourg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Vocational Training Service and the Careers Guidance and Adult Education Service. Reto Julmy, director of the Employers’ Union, chairs it.
What to find
Nearly 70 stands run by professionals present more than 200 careers. The programme includes meetings, workshops and a job dating area. Careers are grouped by field, from industry to health, through commerce, construction and hospitality.
The forum is aimed at pupils, apprentices, teachers and parents. Adults changing careers are also welcome. A visit adapted to non-French speakers is offered.
Practical information
- Dates, Tuesday 23 to Sunday 28 February 2027
- Times, Tuesday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm, Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
- Venue, Forum Fribourg, route du Lac 12, 1763 Granges-Paccot
- Price, free admission for the public
- Age, young people aged 12 to 18, families and adults changing careers
Links
- Official site, START! Forum des métiers
- All events across French-speaking Switzerland, Genève Infos Agenda
Sources
- State of Fribourg, Vocational Training Service, The START careers fair stays at Forum Fribourg in 2027, accessed on 14 November 2026
- START! Forum des métiers, START 2027 press release, accessed on 14 November 2026
- START! Forum des métiers, home page, accessed on 14 November 2026
- START! Forum des métiers, 2025 closing press release, accessed on 14 November 2026
- State of Fribourg, START! Forum des métiers, a success for the 11th edition, accessed on 14 November 2026
- State of Fribourg, START! Forum des métiers 2021 postponed, accessed on 14 November 2026
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