More than 4,700 eighth graders and 300 businesses showed out for the Midlands Industry and Business Showcase today.

The event serves as a starting point for students to think about their future careers.

“It’s a little early,” said Ron Morris, a Midlands Tech mechatronics professor. “But it’s never too early to these things into these kids’ heads.”

Students could explore all types of industries, from mechatronics and welding, to healthcare and electrical work.

Demand for advanced manufacturing jobs is high both in the classroom and in the workforce.

A Deloitte study estimated 3.8 million manufacturing jobs could be created by 2033, but 1.9 million could go unfilled.

The Midlands are a hot spot for development, with the current construction of Scout Motors expected to bring nearly 4,000 jobs to the area.