An engineer from Stevenage has been recognised nationally as an inspiration to future generations of female engineers.

Jamie D’Ath, who is an apprentice at missile systems company MBDA on Stevenage’s Gunnels Wood Road, has won a prize at the Institute of Engineering and Technology’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.

The 21-year-old was presented with the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices at a ceremony in London.

The late Mary George CBE joined The Electrical Association for Women in 1956 and the award is given to a young female apprentice who shows great potential in engineering and is tipped to be a future leader in the profession.

Jamie said: “It feels amazing and it’s great recognition. It really inspires me to keep pushing forward in my career. I hope the children I speak to will be more encouraged to think about a future in engineering and technology.”

The awards celebrate women working in modern engineering and aim to help change the perception that engineering is predominantly a career for men by banishing outdated stereotypes.

The awards encourage female role models who can help address the UK science and engineering skills crisis by promoting engineering careers to more girls and women.

Only 11 per cent of the UK engineering and technical workforce is currently female.

Jo Foster, the IET’s diversity and inclusion manager, said: “I’d like to congratulate our fantastic winners and finalists of this year’s awards.

“They are a real credit to the engineering profession and will make excellent role models to young girls who might be thinking about a career in engineering and technology.

“It’s vital we champion engineering careers to the next generation. It’s a diverse, creative and exciting career, which offers the opportunity to do something life-changing, or even world-changing.”