Made in the Midlands event takes place one week today

The event is set to be the largest ever manufacturing exhibition hosted in the Black Country and, for the first time, the exhibition is also providing one of the biggest networking opportunities to engineering students across the Midlands, opening its doors to prospective engineering talent by inviting learners from all of the regions' colleges to attend, talk to potential employers, apply for apprenticeships and hand in CVs. Under the title "Meet the Manufacturer", students are able to see first-hand opportunities available, taking in processes as diverse as automotive assembly at Jaguar Land Rover to finishing techniques for precise components which power jet engines. Chris Hilton, Principal of The Black Country University Technical College, welcomed the opportunity, saying: "Engineering is such a wide and complex field, but the exhibition gives a good overview of all the main sectors, providing learners with some ideas and inspiration as to which areas they could enter. "The event is also a great way for students to meet prospective employers and get some tips and hints regarding apprenticeship opportunities and application processes. Contrary to general perception, the show proves that manufacturing in this region is not dying out and that, instead, it is a forward-looking industry worth going into for young people." Another highlight this year will be the presence of Jaguar Land Rover, which is going to be represented by its purchasing team, aiming to meet new potential suppliers. Tony Hague, chairman of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN Group), which is also amongst the biggest exhibitors, says of the event: "The Manufacturing Exhibition provides a great opportunity for local businesses to come together, network and get to know each other. It is an excellent way to explore what is available within the Midlands supply chain, establish new business connections and form possible collaborations between companies. " Now in its fourth year, the Made in the Midlands' Manufacturing Exhibition has been a huge success in the past, with the 2013 show promising to be the biggest one so far. Representing over 260 local manufacturing firms, the network has set itself the goal to expand the manufacturing base in the West Midlands, providing an opportunity for inter-trading, sharing best practice and sales leads through networking.