More than 5,000 people have registered for two free careers and business events being held at Bolton's Toughsheet Community Stadium in October.
The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo will take place on Wednesday, 21 October, followed by the North West Business Expo on Friday, 23 October.
Organisers Shout Network say the two events will bring hundreds of employers, businesses, training providers and support organisations to the stadium during what they are calling a week of opportunities for Bolton and the wider North West.
Careers and apprenticeships event
The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo will run from noon until 7pm on 21 October. Bentley, the NHS, United Utilities, the Royal Air Force and The King's Trust are among the organisations expected to attend, alongside colleges, universities and training providers.
The event is open to people of all ages, including school and college students, adults considering a career change, people returning to work and anyone looking to develop new skills or qualifications.
Visitors will be able to speak directly with employers and training providers, ask questions about available routes and receive practical advice about their next steps.
Ian Coupe, director of Shout Network, said the event was not limited to school leavers.
We have school and college students coming along, but we'd equally encourage somebody in their 30s, 40s or 50s who's thinking, 'I'd quite like to do something different,' to come and have a look.
He added that visitors could use the event to explore a new career, learn about upskilling or simply find out what opportunities were available.
Business expo follows two days later
The North West Business Expo will take over the stadium's Premier Suite from 9am until 3pm on 23 October.
Businesses from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and elsewhere in the North West will take part. Exhibitors named by the organisers include PM+M Accountants, Village Hotels, Lancashire County Council and WHN Solicitors.
The event is open to experienced business owners, senior decision-makers, freelancers, start-ups and people who are still considering launching a business.
Organisers say visitors will be able to meet potential customers and suppliers, discover products and services, learn about local business support and make new contacts.
Business is about people. You can spend months emailing somebody or connecting with people online, but sometimes a ten-minute conversation over a coffee can lead to something completely unexpected.
How to attend
Both events are free, although visitors are encouraged to register in advance.
The North West Apprenticeship and Careers Expo takes place from noon to 7pm on Wednesday, 21 October, at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Registration details are available from the event website.
The North West Business Expo takes place from 9am to 3pm on Friday, 23 October, at the same venue. Further details are available from the North West Business Expo website.
This report is based on information and photographs supplied by Shout Network.