Young people involved in manufacturing and engineering will be in the spotlight tomorrow at one of the county’s biggest business events.

More than 60 firms and organisations are taking part in the Manufacturing and Engineering Expo 2013 in Chatham Historic Dockyard on July 10.

At the heart of the exhibition will be an apprenticeship zone with apprentices from many of Medway and Kent’s major firms showing off the skills they have learned as they begin their careers in engineering or manufacturing.

BAE Systems Electronic Systems division in Rochester will be one of the major exhibitors, alongside the University of Greenwich. Both are supporters of Medway’s University Technical College, which is due to open next year.

It will specialise in engineering and construction studies.

BAE Systems will demonstrate its electronic head up display developed at Rochester for civil and military use, including treatment for disabled ex-forces personnel.

Visitors will be able to find out more about interest-free loans available to firms looking to expand in North Kent and Medway through the new TIGER (Thames Gateway Innovation, Growth and Enterprise) fund. Funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, TIGER will be available to businesses seeking to invest in Dartford, Gravesham, Medway, Swale and Thurrock.

Workshops will be covering a range of subjects including finance, training and exporting. The expo is organised by Medway Council and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Best Business Events.

Councillor Jane Chitty, Medway council’s Portfolio holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, said: “This exhibition will not only showcase some of the region’s most successful businesses but will offer a wonderful opportunity for young people to discover the benefits of careers in engineering and manufacturing.”

Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this initiative by Medway Council.

"The expo will give visitors the opportunities and resources to drive business growth as well as finding out about funding for their business.”

The exhibition at the dockyard is open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, July10.

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