Girls gear up for car industry career

 

While most people think of the automotive industry as being dominated by men, and in some places it still is, there are changes taking place.

In particular, at a Mini plant young women are being brought in to learn with state of the art manufacturing equipment, design programs, and more:

The car industry is sometimes seen as a man’s world. At Mini’s Cowley plant, however, young women are being given the chance to break through the glass ceiling.

Owner BMW is to run its Girls Go Technical programme for a second year after the success of last year’s inaugural event.

The scheme is for 15 to 24-year-olds to experience working in car manufacturing during school half-term from October 27 to 31.

They will spend four days at the heart of Mini and BMW production in Oxford before being joined by girls taking part in the scheme in Swindon and Birmingham to see Minis being built at the Cowley plant.

The girls will be able to take advantage of the plant’s state-of-the-art classrooms, computer areas and workshops.

Rebecca Pallet, an apprentice at the Cowley Plant, backed the scheme said: “Working in the car manufacturing industry is an absolutely amazing experience.

“I’ve always wanted to be able to build cars and with BMW’s support I can now pursue my dreams.

Simon Farrall, head of apprentice and associate training at BMW Group UK, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for our manufacturing plants. The automotive industry is still considered as a more appropriate career path for boys and our programme is designed to address this inequality and attract more girls to consider a technical career in this field.”

Applicants must have at least four GCSEs at grade A to C including maths, English and a science subject. Predicted grades will be accepted. Girls gear up for car industry career (From Oxford Mail)