Engineers of the future Advanced Engineering driving recruitment at 2023 trade show

Advanced Engineering, the UK’s largest annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals, is helping to drive recruitment through several innovative initiatives at this year’s event. Scheduled to take place between November 1 to 2 at the NEC, Birmingham, Advanced Engineering aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering the next generation of engineers.

A key initiative that will be introduced at this year’s show is the transformation of every student’s entry badge. Traditionally labelled as “Student,” these badges will now display the title “Future Engineer” to boost confidence and encourage students to envision themselves as integral contributors to the engineering landscape.

Additionally, the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE) competition, a highly anticipated segment of the trade show, will provide a platform for aspiring engineers to showcase their skills and creativity. This contest challenges students to develop innovative solutions using advanced materials and processes, providing them with the opportunity to present their projects to industry professionals, gain recognition for their achievements and forge valuable connections with potential employers.

To further facilitate engagement with exhibitors, the trade show organisers have created a separate exhibitor list exclusively for students, highlighting companies that are actively seeking upcoming engineers for apprenticeships, internships, co-op programs and entry-level positions. This digital catalogue will serve as a guide for students, allowing them to approach companies to explore potential employment opportunities and gain industry insights.

“With an emphasis on student engagement and recruitment, this year’s event promises to be the most inspiring and impactful yet,” explained Alison Willis, director of Easyfairs. “Advanced Engineering has consistently attracted leading professionals, innovators and decision-makers from around the world, so there is no better place to recognise students as the future of engineering and nurture the talent that will drive the UK’s engineering field forward.”

Recruitment has always been a significant part of the Advanced Engineering trade show. In fact, one of the country’s leading construction equipment manufacturers, JCB, has attended the show on several occasions with the primary aim of recruitment.

In 2021, Joe James, Excavation Engineer at JCB, said, “We chose Advanced Engineering as an opportunity to showcase our open positions in the company and to try and attract fantastic talent from all over the UK. The show has been great so far. We’ve been chatting to lots of keen students and great companies that want to work with JCB. We’ve made fantastic contacts so far — it’s been absolutely brilliant.”

To register today and view the current 2023 exhibitor list, please visit the Advanced Engineering website.