When we came to choose our work experience at school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Sport had always been my main focus, so I hadn’t really considered a career in a STEM subject. I’m good with my hands though, and my careers advisor suggested BMW Group’s Girls Go Technical programme. I liked the idea of trying something different.

I was based at MINI Plant Oxford for the duration of my work experience. There were a few of us from different schools and we were shown around each department to see what it was like to work at the home of MINI. We got to shadow people and see the different roles that they have. It was very hands-on and we got to see the whole process that a car goes through in the plant.

After the programme, I read up about the apprenticeship and decided to apply. The feel and look of the plant really swayed my decision – there are robots everywhere, it felt very futuristic and I wanted to understand more about how and why things work. 

My advice to any girls thinking about it would be just go for it. If you like STEM subjects, it’s such great fun. Yes, there are more men in the industry right now – and I was a little apprehensive about being a female – but everyone here is included. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, we’re all here because we’re good at our jobs.

Sophie Jackson, maintenance technician apprentice

Our Girls Go Technical work experience programme is designed for young women, aged 16-18 (Year 11 and above) who want to get hands-on experience and discover what a career in the automotive industry looks like. If you want to find out more or apply, just keep exploring this page.