Teen inspired to join 'male-dominated' industry

Liv says a teacher inspired her to pursue a career in engineering

A 16-year-old girl is among 24 young trainees to begin careers with a train-building company.

Liv said: “Engineering is still very male dominated, but I had a female engineering teacher at school who really inspired me to pursue a career in this field."

Siemens Mobility said the apprentices and graduates - aged between 16 and 26 - will work at its Goole plant in East Yorkshire, where trains will be assembled for London Underground's Piccadilly Line.

General manager Mark Speed said the move demonstrates the firm's "commitment to creating new opportunities to join the UK rail industry and help to shape its future."

The new trainees will work in a number of areas at Siemens Mobility's new facility in Goole

The company said it expects a train assembling factory - the centrepiece of the wider Goole Rail Village - to open later this year.

Liv, from near Goole, is undertaking a Level 3 Mechanical Fitter apprenticeship.

“I didn’t like the idea of going to college and sitting in a classroom all day. Getting hands on experience through an apprenticeship was much more appealing to me.

“It already feels like I’m part of a great community. Everyone has made me feel welcome and we’re all here to help each other.”

'Best route'

Tristan Masterman, 18, from Selby, is beginning a Level 4 Manufacturing Fitter apprenticeship.

He said: “I decided that doing an apprenticeship would be the best route for me, as I could learn on the job from professionals who are already working in the industry, while getting paid at the same time."

He added it "feels amazing" to be part of "such an important project building trains for the London Underground".

Siemens Mobility its £200m investment in the region will create up to 700 jobs and 1,700 opportunities in the supply chain.

It added 80% of London Underground’s new Piccadilly line trains will be assembled in Goole.

Siemens Mobility's factory is the centrepiece of the wider Goole Rail Village, featuring a components facility, a materials and logistics warehouse, and a research, development and innovation centre.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.