All female finalists at the NEAA automotive sector awards

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has applauded some of the industry’s rising female stars, with six young ladies making it to the finals at a prestigious awards evening.

As the gender skills gap in the region’s automotive sector continues to narrow, Georgia Claughan, ISD degree apprentice, Emma Coulson, HR degree apprentice and Emma Groark, administration assistant were all finalists in the Geoff Ford Apprentice Awards.

All three are employed at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK) in Sunderland.

Also recognised were Eve Davison, plastics engineer at NMUK, Madelaine Hays, supply chain analyst at Adient Seating and Erin Hope, graduate engineering at Owben. These ladies were finalists in the Graduate Awards.

Out of all the finalists, Georgia Claughan won the Geoff Ford Apprentice Award and Eve Davison scooped the Graduate Award – both from NMUK.

Paul Butler, chief executive of the NEAA, said: “The gender skills gap is something all sectors, not just the NEAA, continue to support and it was so heart-warming that all the finalists in the apprentice and graduate categories were female, which demonstrates the automotive sector is continuing to promote, support and applaud women who, quite rightly, have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.”

Eve Davison, plastics engineer, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, added: “Everyone comes together to celebrate the North East and the automotive industry that we have here.

“It’s nice to realise how much people are appreciated and what an impact they are having within the sector.”

£14,500 was awarded to STEM engagement programmes and local schools as a result of sponsorship raised at the dinner, with Georgia and Eve each receiving £1000 towards their learning.