Partner Article

Female welder not bothered by stereotypes

Inspired by the women who worked in munitions factories in World War II, 16-year-old Jade Orton works as a welder at Kastle Engineering in Marske-by-the-Sea.

The apprentice from Redcar, Tees Valley said: “I think people tend to forget the role that women played during World War II, but if they could do it then, why can’t we do it now? I’m proud to work in a male dominated environment and I want other young females in the North East to know that they don’t have to stick to traditional careers, there are other options.”

Jade, who is studying for an apprenticeship in welding and fabrication with North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) in conjunction with her work at Kastle Engineering, says fellow staff at Kastle Engineering have never singled her out for special treatment and think of her as ‘just one of the lads’.

Jade started her career at Kastle Engineering painting stillages on a work placement, but since enrolling on her apprenticeship eight months ago, she has developed high ambitions to extend her career abroad in the future, and eventually run her own fabrication business.

John Hills, NECC regional training manager, said: “We are trying to get the message across to young people in the North East that there are opportunities to enter all types of career, no matter what your gender, and Jade is a shining example that this is true.”

For more information on NECC apprenticeships email onestopshop@necc.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .