WOULD-BE engineers will have the backing of two of the city’s biggest manufacturers in a bid to find future talent.

Worcester Warriors chairman Cecil Duckworth and the machine tooling specialists Yamazaki Mazak have thrown their considerable weight into helping run an apprenticeship day.

More than 250 students from schools in Worcestershire and Herefordshire will be at the Sixways’ stadium to test their mettle against real-time engineering and manufacturing problems in what is known as the Business Game.

Top industry figures will also be present, and youngsters will get the chance to meet and talk with the bigwigs during the event on Friday, March 2.

Organisers are hoping the event will lead more firms to explore internships and apprenticeships.

Both Bosch and Mazak already employ apprentices from 16 upwards to train as tomorrow’s engineers, and between them they currently have 60 apprentices on their payrolls.

Celia Adams, the event organiser and an accountant who helps turn around firms experiencing financial difficulties, said: “The amount of talent in the one venue will be formidable.

“Engineering and manufacturing firms locally are keen to engage with youngsters, and recruit the best young talent to help them emerge from the recession, and drive the country’s recovery.

“Factories today are not grimy metal bashing places but, as at Mazak and Bosch, are state of the art.

“Manufacturers and engineers are mentoring and exhibiting, including; Bosch, Mazak, Dytechna (of Malvern), and Malvern Instruments.”

The universities of Worcester, Birmingham and Oxford will also be represented along with accountancy and solicitors’ firms.

Dr Damien Cleugh, Mazak’s regional marketing manager, said: “It is vital we encourage young people to move into engineering and manufacturing, as it is a rewarding career choice.”