A FEMALE engineering apprentice at Ford is calling for more women to get into the industry.

The Ford Dunton Technical Centre invited more than 100 female students to take part in a day of activities in celebration of the International Women in Engineering Day.

Melanie Morey, a 21-year-old electrical mechanical maintenance from Orsett held sessions with the pupils, who took part in a range of activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (Stem).

Melanie became interested in engineering while she was at college and wanted to take her hobby and turn it into a career.

Speaking about the day, Melanie said: "I think it is important to show girls they can do these sorts of things and there are so many job roles they can take in engineering.

“They can be inspired by these events and motivated to do these things that are not typically seen as a women’s role.

“We need a lot more women in engineering, the role I work in there’s barely any women by comparison to men and I’d love there to be more women in this industry."

A number of other Ford female engineers attended the event including Rachel Hayden, 2017 Ford Stem prize winner.

Sue Slaughter, director of purchasing for Ford of Europe, who has been recognised by Autocar as one of the Top100 most influential women, said: "We run this event to show-off the wide range of exciting, future-facing Stem careers so that these female students understand all of the opportunities available and can be inspired by what is most suited to them.”

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock was in attendance as the government's representative for the Year of Engineering.

He said that women make up only 12 per cent of the workforce in engineering.

Mr Metcalfe said: "Events such as this are imperative in engaging young students with the vast opportunities available to engineers, which will reduce the gender and skills gaps within the industry in the future.”

Melanie feels that there are many reasons why there is a shortfall in the number of women in engineering.

She said: “In my experience the support network typically is not there, I was very lucky my parents were very supportive, but some parents don’t see that women can do these manual roles more.

“It is important that young girls believe in themselves, and that other people believe in them as well."