Marine industry celebrates its female engineers

In an industry which brings £2.93billion worth of turnover to the UK economy and employs 31,500 people, the British Marine Federation (BMF) has female stars shining through its historically male dominated workforce.

Now more than ever before women are starting off their careers at marine companies. These apprenticeships are vital for shaping the future infrastructure of the industry's workforce and getting more women at the heart of Britain's marine companies.

Olivia Richards-Smith, an apprentice at Sunseeker, studying an advanced apprenticeship (level 3) in Marine Engineering, said: "I have always enjoyed working hands on and learning practical skills. My work colleagues, college tutor and the apprenticeship coordinator have all been really supportive to help me gain the qualifications and open up great career prospects."

Now in its second year, National Women in Engineering Day was set up by the Women's Engineering Society to highlight the great opportunities for women in engineering and address the engineering skills shortage.

Amanda Simpson, training and events manager at the BMF, comments: "National Women in Engineering Day offers us a great opportunity to challenge the common preconception of the marine industry as a male dominated sector. By promoting the females who are breaking the mould of the engineering profession we hope to inspire even more women with the possibilities of a career in the marine industry."