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"It is still a male-dominated profession but things are changing and it's great to be a part of that change," says engineer Eleanor Pitt.

The 19-year-old, from Chaddesden, Derby, is only the second female welding apprentice taken on by digger giant JCB, which she says "gives me a real sense of pride".

The former West Park School student, who graduated from the manufacturing company's apprenticeship scheme last week, hopes to encourage other women to take up engineering.

She said what started out as a hobby learned from her father has now become a promising career, where she could focus "on being the best I can be at my job".

'Next generation'

As annual Apprentice Week gets under way on Monday, she said she hoped other young people, especially females, would join apprenticeship schemes

"I chose the apprenticeship route because I am a practical learner so it was a great way for me to gain hands-on experience," she said.

"I currently work in the heavy products team, and have advanced my skills in welding as well as learning new skills such as cutting and grinding.

"For anyone considering an apprenticeship my advice would be to just do it, the knowledge and experience you gain is amazing."

The Rocester-based company, which is one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world, has more than 370 apprentices.

On 15 February, it will be holding an Apprenticeships Open Day at JCB Global Learning, Rocester, to take on people for welding, assembly, manufacturing, engineering, technician and business-wide degree apprenticeships.

Neil Fowkes, the company's early careers talent manager, said JCB aimed to train and develop the "next generation" of engineers, assemblers and business administrators, adding its apprenticeship schemes were "integral to our vision of the future".

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