Apprentice Mary Croft, of Bolton Road, Westhoughton, landed a position with APPH, part of the BBA Aviation Group, which designs and manufactures hydraulic systems and landing gear for aircraft around the world.

The 17-year-old landed the role with the help of Alliance Learning, who provide support and training for learners on apprenticeships under contract from Greater Manchester Learning and Skills Council.

Brian Driver, Mary's team leader at APPH, said: "Mary has settled in well and there has been no negative reactions from any of the men on the shopfloor.

"It has also been made clear to her that she will be given the same tasks as any of the male apprentices without exception and she is in complete agreement with this. Mary is our first female apprentice but we are sure she won't be the last as more girls enter the industry"

Chris Peach from Alliance Learning said: "Just a few decades ago, women working in the engineering world was almost unheard of, but at Alliance Learning we're seeing more and more girls applying for trade courses.

Soon the stereotype that engineering is a male career will be dead in the water. These girls are studying hard and working towards nationally recognised qualifications."