A CAMPAIGN to support female apprentices has been backed by Employment Minister and Witham MP Priti Patel.

Ms Patel joined forces with the Essex Chambers of Commerce and DP World London Gateway to bring the #Notjustforboys campaign to the county.

The campaign, which is backed by more than 100 leading businesses, is run by the Department for Work and Pensions and supports women who want to pursue careers in male-dominated industries such as engineering.

Ms Patel said: “It was great to meet apprentices who are gaining practical skills in a range of industries to boost skills and career prospects.

“At a time when there are more women in work than ever before, we want everyone, no matter what their background, to benefit from growth in areas like professional and scientific jobs and construction.

“I urge young people to make the most of the three million new apprenticeships this Government is committed to delivering, to be at the heart of the growing economy.”

Businesses at the event included London Stansted Airport and Essex and Suffolk Water.

Perry Woolner from Essex and Suffolk Water said: “This was an excellent event which we were pleased to support.

“We employ a number of apprentices of both sexes who make a real contribution to the success of our business. A business like ours isn’t just for boys and we encourage girls to find out more about what we can offer.”