LARA White works for Somerset West and Taunton Council as a Localities Champion based at Deane Depot, Wellington.

She began her employment at SWT in 2012 as a multi-skilled apprentice and is now a qualified plumber.

Lara said: “I always liked the idea of not having to sit at a desk and also keeping active throughout the day.

“Working in a male-dominated career is now second nature to me and I have found some friends for life at the council.

“It does come with some misguided preconceptions that I'm not as capable as a man to do the job, but it also comes with people being pleased to see a female in a male-dominated industry.

“My mum is my biggest inspiration. She taught me how to be strong and independent. She always worked hard and instilled a positive work ethic in me.”