A campaign has been launched to encourage more Essex girls to take up engineering.
The Girls Allowed campaign is being launched by Essex County Council in an aim to recruit more female engineering apprentices.
Harlow College is one of four colleges involved in the project. Will Allanson, head of delivery for work-related learning at the college, said: “At Harlow College we are determined to address the gender imbalance within the manufacturing and engineering sector.
“This is in direct response to our local employers who recognise that both girls and boys possess the skills that are in demand by local industry.
“Girls are well-suited to some jobs – it’s not always about strength, sometimes it’s about finesse and precision.
“The Girls Allowed project will raise awareness of the career paths available in engineering and provide girls with the chance to find out more information to help them make decisions about their future.”
The project includes a Girls Allowed website giving females aged 14-18 information about engineering apprenticeships. It also contains case studies from girls that have completed their courses and moved onto a work placement within the engineering industry.
County councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for education, said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to learn and start a career in a specific industry.
“Engineering is an excellent gateway into a number of different careers. I would encourage females that are thinking about what to do when they leave school to consider this route. The possibilities are endless and an apprenticeship will give you a great head start when it comes to starting a career.”