Students/Educators/Parents

Do you know students interested in learning about career opportunities in the confectionery industry?

Our Next Generation Videos which introduce students and professionals to vibrant careers in manufacturing are available year-round. The NextGen class for the Sweets & Snacks Expo program  in  2023 is complete and the application period is now closed but check back next year.

For Next Generation Programs, we bring together panels of industry manufacturing professionals from your favorite national candy companies to talk about roles and career paths that aren’t always well known. These roles span from industrial design, maintenance and operations to engineering, supply chain, and food science. Return to this page during spring each year to learn more.
Students in Food Science, Business, Communication, Marketing, Engineering, Information Sciences, Package Design, Nutrition, Law, Supply Chain, Cyber Security, Automotive mechanics, HVACR, Culinary Management and Robotics are encouraged to apply. Make sure to complete all fields in the application form and enter your school email address. The Confectionery Foundation typically runs the Next Generation mentor and tour program & Career Fair at Sweets & Snacks Expo. This is the largest annual confectionery and snack tradeshow in America. 


College students aged 21 to 30, enrolled in universities and trade schools, who are interested in learning more about working in the confectionery industry may request an application during February for the Next Generation Program.

“THANK YOU… I was privileged to be invited to be your guest at the Sweets and Snacks Expo. This was my first time ever attending this event! What an exceptional convention. It was really fun to see and meet vendors who were launching new products at the event. It’s exciting to see some products before they even hit distribution.” -recent Student Guest


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    I am 20 years old or olderI am younger than 20I am a FIRST Robotics alumni or registered Mentor

    I want to take my family and friends to shop at confectionery factory outlets and see American manufacturing.

    I am a student and want to learn more about careers in American chocolate and candy manufacturing. I am interested in applying for the Next Generation Program.


    Applications for our NextGen class at Sweets & Snacks 2024 will include an online form, resume, interview, waiver, letter of reference. Students are responsible for their own travel to Sweets & Snacks Expo. Application request period will open February 1 and close April 15.
    If you have a NextGen Invite Code, please enter it in this box:

    I would like to buy local confections near my home or regional treats on a trip this year.

    I am training in Culinary Arts or Hospitality and want to learn about confectionery careers.

    I am studying marketing and interested in communications, sales and/or marketing.

    I am an artist or graphic designer interested in creating food packaging.

    I am studying food science, chemistry or math and am interested in a career inventing foods or flavors as a food scientist.

    I build robots and am studying mechanical or computer engineering.

    I am interested in facilities engineering, HVAC, and working with computer technology in manufacturing.

    I am a teacher or administrator and want to teach about American food manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain.

    I am wondering if my favorite childhood candy is still made.

    Could an expert from a confectionery company come speak to my middle school or high school?

    How did you hear about this program? Add your additional message and your BIRTH year here:

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