If you want it, you can do it. Alice, 23, a trainee engineer

“I was always interested in engineering. When I was 16, I went on a girls-only Nautical Engineering course – I really enjoyed it and it confirmed that engineering was for me. Sadly, not many girls consider STEM subjects (and engineering in particular) as a career choice, mostly through a lack of information and stereotyping. I studied Mechanical Engineering and did lots of work experience while at university. I worked in a shot blasting factory where I helped to build air-conditioning units, and I worked in a toothbrush factory in China. I also did an internship at JCB in the summer before I got this job. My current placement is in tendering (putting bids together for projects), so my job involves a lot of problem solving and communication across teams in order to create a complete solution. I find it really exciting as it's new and different from what I’ve done before. I’d advise anyone to find out which qualifications you need to get into the job you want. The road isn't always smooth but you can get there. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you you can’t do it. If you want it enough, you can do anything.”