When thinking of the automotive industry generally, it can spark an image of a garage full of cars surrounded by male technicians swearing and joking and wearing overalls covered in spent oil.
Now, while this is largely a memory from the past, the cold hard present is still dominated by men at all levels of the industry. Progress has no doubt been made in raising the proportion of women in this area but there is much room for further expansion; For example, in the EU in 2016, men were three times the number of women in this sector.
For the proportion of women in the industry to increase, then creating opportunities to make the role more attractive will become a crucial area of focus.
A lack of flexible schedules and concerns over work life balance are the overwhelming reasons cited by women when asked what issues affect them most when considering automotive positions.
Entering the business and finance arms of the company are likely the area’s best suited to develop and expand the numbers of women in the workforce as the functions carry many similarities across industries and so transferring of skills can be much easier. This would allow ambitious women to seek out roles to bring their career development to the next level.
In 2018, only 8% of executives employed at the top 20 motor vehicle and parts companies within the Fortune Global 500 were women and so while the potential mentioned previously is present, it is clear that a conscious effort and plan must employ to maximise to make this sector appealing and accessible to all.
Here at Skillnet we are committed to supporting and training the next generation of technicians, our dedicated female mentoring schemes provide additional support to our female technicians in developing their career within the automotive sector.
Skillnet’s very own Quality and Innovation Director Rebecca Sparshott recently took part in the automotive 30% club inspiring women in the automotive sector collection. View it here.
Interested in recruiting an apprentice? Contact Skillnet today.