Well done engineering student Zoe Burton! Zoe is the seventh winner of the FORD WISE (Women Into Science and Engineering) prize that recognises exceptional women studying engineering and promotes engineering as a career.

Zoe is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Durham and is seen receiving her £1,000 prize from HRH Princess Anne at the WISE awards ceremony in London.

On hearing the good news she said…

“I’ve loved motorsport for as long as I can remember, and to embark on a degree in engineering seemed the logic step to combine my hobby and a potential career. After several years of work experience and a gap year in Formula One, I can’t imagine committing my life to anything else. The academic and research staff at my university have been hugely supportive.”

Other finalists were Elaine Cornell and Katherine Bexfield, both at Loughborough University.

Well done – you are great role models for women and I hope you will all consider a career in the UK motor industry – it doesn’t have to be in motorsport .

With just 20% of motor industry employees female, yet the majority of decision makers and influencers are women, we need more to join in and make a real difference to service levels in future. Good for you Ford for celebrating female talent ahead of others here.

FOXY Steph