Jess proves engineering isn't just a job for boys

Highways worker shares her story with aim of inspiring other women to join the sector

- Sentinel Reporter

WOMEN and girls across North Staffordshire are being urged to challenge traditional workplace gender roles by considering careers in male-dominated sectors.

Jess Banbury, a pre-site technician with Staffordshire County Council's highways team, is leading the call as the service marked Women in Engineering Day.

She had always dreamed of working in engineering since her school days due to wanting a job that was hands-on and outdoors.

But she knew she might face challenges as a woman entering the field without any qualifications and is now sharing her story to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and challenge traditional gender roles in a male-dominated sector.

"Pretty much my car is my office. I like that my job is just different all the time. I'm always in different places," Jess said.

"As a woman, people do look at you differently - especially in public, they definitely take a second glance.