An energy leader has praised two female students from the eastern region after they scooped the top accolade for their energy course.

Jasmine Allen, 18, from Beccles, and Jodie Brand, 17, of Corton, were named joint Student of the Year on this year's Energy Skills Foundation Programme (ESFP) – one of the core initiatives of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) through its Skills for Energy Programme.

Deirdre Michie, chief executive of Oil and Gas UK, praised their achievement but says there is still a 'mountain to climb' to bring more women into engineering, with a report showing that just 12pc of those in the field are female.

'I'd like to commend Jodie and Jasmine on what is a fantastic achievement in their budding careers,' she said.

'I hope their story inspires more people to pursue their goals in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas, empowered by the knowledge of great initiatives such as EEEGR's Skills for Energy programme.

'The UK's offshore oil and gas industry is an exciting place to work, offering up diverse global opportunities in high value roles.'

Miss Allen said: 'I have really enjoyed the ESFP, as this has allowed me to develop an understanding of and passion for working on maintenance techniques, something which I hope to take forward into my career in the future.

'Having completed a Level 1 programme last year, I am pleased to be moving on to a Level 3 programme next year with the aim of progressing into higher education thereafter.'

She is enrolling on a Level 3 engineering programme in September and hopes to go on to do a HE engineering degree.

Miss Brand is also enrolling on a Level 3 engineering programme in September with the aim of securing an engineering apprenticeship in the future.

The pair are among around 30 students who annually gain qualifications, experience and knowledge to help them choose careers, including mechanical and electrical engineering in the region's expanding energy sector.

The NVQ Level 2 pre-apprenticeship course is delivered across the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft campuses of East Coast College and draws students from Suffolk and Norfolk.