Paisley engineer's breaking stereotypes ahead of International Women’s Day

The saying goes it is a man's word but one engineer from Paisley is working hard to prove that is not the case at all.

23 year-old Hannah Simpson works with Graham Construction in Helensburgh.

She is encouraging other women to take up jobs in areas like engineering and science this Apprenticeship Week.

The week celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the economy, and coincides with International Women’s Day on Thursday .

Hannah said: "The industry is still very much male dominated and it has been that way for many years but that's not going to change unless more of us start to take that leap and that chance and get ourselves involved. Whether it's through university or apprenticeships, either way is a valid way into the industry.

"With the kind of guys I work with I was made to feel instantly welcome. They didn't treat me any differently just because I am a woman. I still work as hard as they do, if not a little bit more just to prove I can do it.

"Even though I'm just brand new in the door I was made to feel welcome instantly and I feel like all my ideas and input is valued. I can understand and appreciate the initial hesitancy of women getting into STEM but once you're out there and in the job no one really cares what gender you are or what you look like as long as you can get the job done."

There will be a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) events for young women at various venues across Renfrewshire this week.

The Young Women into Stem initiative is being delivered in partnership by Renfrewshire Council, DYW West, Invest in Renfrewshire, West College Scotland and a number of local businesses.

It was set up to address how women are underrepresented in the sector and encourages them to apply for apprenticeships by forging links between employers, colleges and schools.

At West College Scotland’s Paisley campus this week, students will complete specific pieces of work which will enhance their skillset, covering bricklaying and painting and decorating.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are hosting an event on Thursday at Paisley’s Royal Alexandria Hospital where school pupils will visit the engineering departments, clinics and laboratories and will be given an insight into the various job roles.

They will also hear about the apprenticeship opportunities available.