THREE top engineers from Greenock's Diodes plant are leading the way as trailblazers in a bid to attract more girls into the sector.

Ambassador Caitlin Kirk along with apprentice Aimee Cooke and graduate engineer Megan Ruddy want to encourage more women into their work place.

The talented trio are working with West College Scotland and other partners on a virtual event to highlight the career opportunities females are missing out on.

With less than six per cent of modern apprentices in engineering taken up by women, the college is teaming up with the Equate Scotland organisation to bring about a major change.

Maintenance technician Caitlin, 23, who has been an STEM ambassador for two years, said: "When I first started my apprenticeship, I was the first female apprentice in 20 years.

"Straight away I wanted to encourage more females into this type of work.

"I’m really looking forward to this particular event as we haven’t had the chance to promote women in engineering for a while due to Covid-19.”

West College, Diodes and Equate Scotland aim to encourage women to see engineering, science and technology as a career choice.

Diodes graduate process engineer Megan, 22, from Greenock, said: "Increasing the number of females in science, technology, engineering and maths is really important, as we want to show that anyone can be involved in what they are interested in.

"Even if you aren’t sure about what you would like to study or have a career in, it’s always worth finding out what may be out there for you.”

Aimee, 20, an apprentice equipment maintenance technician also from Greenock, added: "These are usually male-dominant workforces as young women aren’t always steered in this direction, unless they have found inspiration elsewhere.

"With more women in engineering, it will showcase the fact that we all have equal opportunities when it comes to our careers."

West College Scotland say they are fully committed to addressing the current imbalance in the sector.

Their head of engineering, Alistair Rodgers, said: “Addressing gender imbalance across a number of occupational areas is part of the strategic vision of West College Scotland, and attracting more young women into STEM subjects forms a key objective.

"The college are therefore delighted to be able to support this initiative, working with Diodes Incorporated and Equate Scotland to promote opportunities in engineering through the experiences of Aimee, Caitlin and Megan.”

Equate Scotland hopes the awareness-raising event can help make a difference.

It will take place via Zoom on Tuesday March 2, coinciding with National Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Industry recruitment co-ordinator Aileen O’Hagan said: “Equate Scotland want to address the gender imbalance in Scotland’s engineering industry and see more women working, studying and leading in this area."