MANAGERS at BMW’s Cowley Mini plant are urging girls to spend their half-term holidays later this month seeing how the car is produced.

The aim is to encourage young women to apply for apprenticeships at the plant, which are traditionally male-dominated.

It will form part of the annual Government-industry initiative See Inside Manufacturing, now in its third year, which aims to give young people first-hand experience of manufacturing and highlight career opportunities open to them.

Natalie Murray, 24, a second-year technical apprentice at the car factory, said: “It is so varied and interesting. I would love to see more young women entering manufacturing, as there are so many different opportunities — from engineering and maintenance to human resources and business.”

Simon Farrall, head of associate and apprentice training at the plant, said: “Apprenticeships at our plant are much sought-after, but traditionally, far more of our applicants for technical training schemes are male than female.

“We want to address that balance and inspire more girls to get excited about a technical career in the automotive industry and think about applying for our 2014 apprenticeships.”

A total of 30 places are available on the half-term programme. Those taking part will also visit the Swindon body and pressings facility and the engine plant.

At the end of the week, the aim is for the youngsters to have a better idea of what a manufacturing career involves, what jobs they might like to do in the future and a level one award in employability skills and personal development.

This year the plant took on 32 apprentices and the scheme was heavily over-subscribed.

Anyone wanting to apply for a place should see the website bmetc.ac.uk/girls-go-technical-at-BMW