Your guide to.... The Skills Olympics

What is it:As Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah enjoy some well earned sofa time this autumn their engineering equivalents will be limbering up to emulate Team GB's glory at the Skills Show 2012. The event will see engineering apprentices go head to head across a range of events including CNC Milling, mechanical engineering, CAD and Mechatronics. The triumphant competitors will be earmarked for the squad for Worldskills Leipzig 2013- where they will take on overseas rivals for gold, silver and bronze in practical engineering challenges Why should I bother going: You can read about potential jobs on websites or in magazines but there's nothing like seeing it with your own eyes. The Skills Show is a unique chance to take a look at the everyday challenges you could face in a career as an engineering apprentice. Here are five reasons not to miss it: 1) Seeing is believing:take a personal look at the practical skills you can attain through dedication and training at the competition events. The UK's top apprentice talent will be showing off practical skills in everything from car repair to testing hydraulic circuits. 2) Try it for yourself: tasks might be look easy when performed by the competitors but you can find out just how tough they are by having a go yourself. The Skills Show will include 'have a go' challenges giving you the opportunity to prove yourself a master of CNC milling or mechatronics. 3)In depth careers advice: careers advisors are on hand at the show to explain what it takes to follow in the footsteps of some of the events competitors. Employers will also be there showing off the career paths you can expect from going into manufacturing and engineering. 4)Ask a friend:Formal careers advice can be useful, but there's nothing quite like hearing it from the horse's mouth . Coming along to the Skills Show will allow you to rub shoulders with real life apprentices who can give you a no nonsense verdict on working in engineering from job satisfaction to pay. 5)Land a job: With a raft of big name employers in attendance, the Skills Show could be your chance to put a foot in the door. Make an impression, leave your contact details and who knows what might happen come recruitment time. When and where: The Skills Show will be held on 15-17 November at the NEC Birmingham How much does it cost? Attendance is free. All you have to do is email visit@theskillsshow.com or call 0845 1500 Where can I find out more: Check out the Skills Show website at www.worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk or follow on Twitter: @worldskillsuk