A SELF-confessed ‘tomboy’ has become a Blackburn firm’s first ever female HGV apprentice mechanic.

Cassandra Forsythe, 17, of Mill Hill, secured her place as an apprentice mechanic with Training 2000.

She started her training for United Utilities Transport, based at Whitebirk, in September and bosses say she ‘isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty’.

Cassandra said her passion for cars and wagons stems from being a ‘tomboy’ as a child.

She said: “I wasn’t really interested in Barbies and playing with dolls. I was always climbing trees and helping my dad fix cars.

“I enjoy the challenge here. It’s hard work and you have to be physically strong, but I can do it.”

Mike Whittaker, workshop manager at United Utilities, said the company has never had a female trainee mechanic in its 30-year history.

He said: “The mechanic role has been male dominated in recent years, but the lads here have accepted her.

“Nobody has an issue with Cassandra being female and she shows great enthusiasm in achieving her HGV class one certificate.”

The apprenticeship will run for four years.

Training 2000’s career development manager Steve Walker said: “Many professions within the automotive sector can be under represented due to gender stereotypes that exist. Learners like Cassandra are helping to break through this barrier and encourage more females into this area.”

Cassandra added: “I love my job and feel like an equal member of the team. I won’t let anything get in my way.”