Female Technicians - Why are there not more?
In the automotive sector, female mechanics are a more and more common sight. It's past due. For many years, men have predominated in the field of car maintenance.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 130,174 females worked in the automobile repair and maintenance industry in 2018, making up 19,236 car mechanics (2.1 percent of all auto mechanics). In addition, females make up 9.7% of the 1,342,000 total workers in the vehicle maintenance and repair sector in the US.
Out of 837,000 mechanics in total, just 12,000 were female in 1999. Which equalled to 1.4%. Whereas in 2018 the total amount of female technicians equalled to 2.1%.
But why is there still a shortage of women technicians in the automotive industry?
While working with your hands, building something from scratch, and the opportunity to be an entrepreneur are all great benefits for women in the auto industry, there are also some challenges that you think you may face.
Reading below may put your mind at ease if you are thinking of joining the automotive industry as a female.
1. Isolation feelings
One of the most difficult aspects is not having the camaraderie that comes from working with other females. Many female technicians are the only ones in their shop, with no peers to bounce ideas off or simply vent their frustrations to.
However, many colleagues will not isolate you for being a female. Fitting in a workshop and proving yourself happens with any new technician joining. Proving yourself is key as a new auto tech.
2. Male co-workers who are sceptical
Because there is no one type of male auto technician, their reactions to a female tech on their team will be diverse. Yes, some will doubt your ability to do the job, but many will be very supportive. Most people will not mind either way if you work to the best of your ability.
3. Different working conditions
When things get tough, see if you can get some help from someone in the shop. Most workshops, stores, centres & dealerships are full of people with many years of experience, who will at some point have come up against the same issues.
Working conditions as a technician can be tough at times, but when concurred, you won't find a better industry to grow and succeed within
For more information on opportunities in your area or even for more advice on the industry and how to become a part of it, get in touch - we are always willing and eager to help.