A TEENAGER is celebrating after she secured a job in a traditionally male career.

Andrea Danks, 19, has secured a job with Hammal Cabinet Makers, based in Stockton, after she completed an NVQ level two in joinery and received a construction award.

Staff from Stockton Borough Council's training and employment service are delighted at the success of their trainee.

The construction course, rarely tackled by women, took two years to complete and Ms Danks is now working at Hammal, where she spent part of her work placement.

She said: "I have never met any other girls who do this. I would say to anyone that it is hard work, but if you keep trying and crack on with it, you will get there in the end.

"I liked the look of the course and it did not bother me that it is normally a man's job. It is very satisfying to see the end product."

Stuart Atkinson, of Stockton council, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and will encourage more women to choose a career different from the norm."

Ms Danks completed the work-based training with the council's help, completing placements at its workshop.

Teenagers leaving school can attend the course, which aims to get youngsters into construction work.