TalentMesse Ruhr Gelsenkirchen

The TalentMesse Ruhr is the central career event for young talents in the Ruhr region, held once a year—traditionally in August or September—at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. This unique venue, best known as the home of FC Schalke 04, combines the vibrant atmosphere of a stadium with the modern infrastructure of a high-performance event center. Thanks to its excellent transport connections, it is easily accessible by car and public transport from across the region.

The event is organized by the Stiftung TalentMetropole Ruhr gGmbH, a foundation dedicated for years to supporting, connecting, and raising the visibility of young talents in the Ruhr area. As a one-day educational career fair, the event is aimed at students from grade 9 onwards, university students, and individuals seeking training or employment opportunities. Admission is free of charge. The focus is on education, guidance, and career prospects.

The TalentMesse Ruhr aims to provide practical career orientation and targeted support for young talent. The fair connects young people with a wide range of regional companies, universities, and institutions across key sectors such as energy, logistics, IT, retail, healthcare, social services, and engineering. In personal conversations with trainers, HR representatives, apprentices, and students, visitors gain authentic insights into everyday work and academic life. Information is provided about apprenticeships, dual study programs, traditional university courses, and direct career entry—firsthand and on equal footing. Additional professional guidance is available from organizations such as the Federal Employment Agency and local chambers of commerce.

A distinctive feature of the fair is its interactive concept, which includes personalized preparation. Before attending, students are guided through a digital brochure and a personalized event itinerary that help them plan their visit. On-site, they can take advantage of hands-on opportunities such as resume checks, professional application photos, interactive workshops on topics like job interviews and cover letters, as well as practical tasks and virtual reality experiences at various booths.

This combination of regional networking, individualized preparation, practical orientation, and personal interaction makes the TalentMesse Ruhr a unique platform in the Ruhr region—and one of the most important educational events in the area. It offers young people the chance to discover their strengths, gain career direction, and confidently shape their path toward the future—together with the strong partners of a region in transition.

The TalentMesse Ruhr in Gelsenkirchen took place on Wednesday, 17. September 2025.