A BLACKWOOD apprentice working for British Gas says taking part in a training scheme changed her life.

Kirsty Williams, 22, from Blackwood, spoke about the scheme as part of National Apprentice Week which is running this week.

Miss Williams applied for the British Gas apprenticeship scheme after leaving school but at a competitive 50 applications for every one place on the course, she did not get in until her second attempt.

Now, having completed the 18 month apprenticeship and training scheme and working full-time for British Gas, she says she loves her job as a service and repair engineer.

“I would definitely recommend taking part in an apprenticeship scheme,” she said. “ Every day is different. Peopleare often really surprised when I turn up as you still don’t see many women in this job.

The former British Gas Apprentice of the Year added: “I want so show young girls like me that even if you like girly things, you can still work in a role like mine.”

Yesterday British Gas’ apprentices based at its Tredegar Academy shared their experiences with would-be recruits.

For further information on apprenticeships, visit britishgasjobs.co.uk or follow @britishgasjobs on Twitter.