A PUPIL at Castle School in Thornbury has secured a three year apprenticeship immediately after finishing her GCSEs.

Lauren Savage, a Year 11 pupil, will soon begin her training as a service technician apprentice at Berkeley Vale Motors.

She is the first female to have been offered the opportunity with the Thornbury-based Hyundai dealership.

The job offer comes at an appropriate time of the year, as it is International Women in Engineering Day this Friday. 

Jim Coogan, Sales Manager, told the Gazette that the company were not intending to take on an apprentice this year, but were so impressed with Lauren’s "enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn" that they agreed to take her on.

He spoke of the benefits of becoming an apprentice, and said: "Having an apprentice helps us develop a young person’s understanding of our specific culture and ethos. They become an expert in our products.”

Lauren’s recently met with Jim to sign all of the relevant paperwork.

She said that she was "excited" about the opportunity, and gave Jim a firm handshake before saying "see you bright and early on my first day".

She will start her new role Monday, July 17, which gives her ample time to enjoy some well deserved time off after working hard for her GCSE exams.

Staff at Castle School said that they wish Lauren all the best with her future career.