British Gas wants women to apply for apprenticeships

Last year, just four per cent of applicants for the programme were women, according to the company.

But Kirsty Williams, from Blackwood, who is a qualified service and repair engineer for the company is encouraging more to apply.

The 22-year-old took her GCSEs at Oakdale Comprehensive School and later undertook an apprenticeship scheme at British Gas’ Thatcham Academy in Berkshire, graduating in 2012. She won the company’s Apprentice of the Year award a year later.

She now covers an area from Risca to Rhymney and intends to continue to develop her skills.

She said: “One of the best things about my job is getting to know the customers. I’m one of the only female engineers in the area, so some of the female customers really like it when I knock on the door. It’s often a surprise when they see me, but really there is absolutely no reason why a woman or any young person can’t do this job just as well as anyone else.”

It comes as British Gas survey reported that more than two thirds of female students fear they will struggle to find a job.

Of 15 to 22-year-olds asked about their future in Wales, 59 per cent said they were worried they will be unable to find one in the future. The same proportion said they were anxious about ending up in a job with few prospects.

They also found young women worry about their salaries – and thought their earning potential was 15 per cent lower than men’s.

On average, women said they expect to earn £27,500 annually by the time they are 30 whereas men expect to earn just over £33,000.

Academy manager at British Gas’ Tredegar site, Ian Clarke, said: “With boys already taking advantage of apprenticeships, I would encourage girls to think about engineering. Apprenticeships are a great way into an organisation, and at British Gas they allow you to earn while you learn and develop skills for life.”

For details more information about applying visit britishgas.co.uk/the-source