A FORMER North Bromsgrove High School student is hoping to inspire other girls to consider a career in engineering, after becoming a local firm's first female trade apprentice.

Abbie Beaver is one of 10 new apprentices at Kings Norton-based Adi Group, making her the first female on the factory floor - something strategic account director James Sopwith says has been a long-term ambition for the firm.

He said: "As a firm dedicated to paving the way in many different areas, we always want to ensure our engineering opportunities are open to everyone. So, of course, when Abbie applied for the position, we were thrilled.

"Abbie has shown great initiative during her participation in our pre-apprenticeship scheme which we run in partnership with North Bromsgrove High School, so we are certain she will go on to do very well here at Adi Group.”

The 16-year-old impressed bosses during her pre-apprenticeship placement, which equipped her with hands-on experience of engineering at the Adi headquarters.

She is now hoping to inspire other females to follow suit and consider an apprenticeship in engineering.

"You should try it and give it a go," said Abbie, who now works as a fabrication and welding apprentice. "You might find something you're good at even though you've never done it before."

She added: "School just wasn’t my thing. Learning in a classroom is harder for me than practical work.

"Adi’s pre-apprenticeship scheme has helped me understand what it is like to be in a working environment and having spent two years with the company means I already know people at Adi Group and that has helped make it easier to fit in this week.”

For more on Adi apprenticeships visit adiltd.co.uk/careers.