A TRANSPORT firm has welcomed its first female apprentice in two decades to embark on its unique bus and coach mechanical and electrical engineering apprenticeship.

Hand-picked from over 500 applicants, Melissa Millington, joins six new recruits in the company’s most recent apprentice intake.

She will undertake training and development alongside Go North East’s engineering team based at its Chester-le-Street depot, building the specialist technical skills needed to maintain the company’s high safety and quality standards for its fleet.

The 19-year old from Chester-le-Street, said: “There’s still people in society with the outdated view that women are only able to do certain roles but I can’t wait to prove that we can excel in engineering.

“As long as I’m working hard and progressing my career, these kinds of opinions don’t bother me.

“I’m proud to be a female engineering apprentice at Go North East and hope others will be inspired to apply in future.”

Go North East has also appointed Lindan Middleton as apprentice stores keeper, the first time in 20 years the company has recruited to the specialist position.

Based from the Saltmeadows Road site, the 16-year-old from Sunderland is relishing learning on the job, opting for a more vocational role over full-time education.

Learning how to book orders in, feeding parts to the engineering teams across the depots and generally ensuring the fleet is road-ready after paint jobs and upgrades, he said: “I didn’t feel sixth form was right for me, so wanted to try something more skills-based. I am really enjoying the apprenticeship and being hands-on at Go North East.”

Run in partnership with Gateshead College, Go North East’s bespoke programme will see Melissa, Lindan and the latest batch of budding engineers train on-the-job alongside the operator’s expert teams.

Mentors provide a one-to-one learning environment, while value-added modules throughout the four-year scheme ensure each apprentice qualifies with the most relevant and competitive skills to future-proof their careers.

A total of 30 apprentices at various levels of training, are currently on Go North East’s award-winning programme.

Go North East’s head of engineering, Colin Barnes. said: “Despite being our only female engineering apprentice at the moment, Melissa joins an increasing number of female Go North East team members, who cover all levels of seniority across our different depots and departments. Many have been with us for their entire careers.”