YOUNG engineers will have the opportunity to give prospective employers a snapshot of their skills at a business expo.

Organisers behind Durham Oktoberfest have confirmed the event will again feature an Education Zone.

The project is designed to help students meet companies from across the engineering and manufacturing sectors, with exhibitors such as Hartlepool College, South Durham University Technical College, New College Durham and East Durham College all due to return.

They will be joined by other institutions, including Newton Aycliffe-based South West Durham Training, and Ben Gilhespy, operations director at County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network, which organises Durham Oktoberfest, said it was important to look at the next generation.

He said: “Future growth isn’t just about winning contracts or operating more efficiently, it’s also about attracting the best young talent into your business.

“To do that, businesses need to be meeting the potential engineering stars of tomorrow and that’s what the Education Zone is all about.

“It really is a great way to get a feel for the talent out there.”

The expo, which will mark its tenth anniversary this year, brings together hundreds of people from the region’s business community to network and showcase their expertise to customers and various suppliers.

As well as the Education Zone, it will feature an exhibition hall, an area for smaller firms and themed workshops.

The event takes place on Thursday, October 19, at Aycliffe’s Xcel Centre.

For more information, visit durhamoktoberfest.org.uk