According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s 2019-20 reporting data, Australian women represented approximately 16% of the automotive manufacturing segment. The figure for female automotive technicians stood at just 3%.

Increasing number of women under the bonnets

The progress in gender diversity in the automotive industry is slow but heartening. After Covid-19, the reality of skill shortage is settling in as also the need to grow the talent pool. There has been a strong growth of women moving into traditionally male-dominated sectors. Many automotive businesses across the country are diversifying. It is leading to creating safe and supportive job environments with improved workplace practices.

Did you know?

An auto mechanic today is more than a person who knows how to build and fix the inner workings of a vehicle. In professional circles, the occupation is referred to as an ‘automotive technician’ who possesses the aforesaid capabilities, along with education, certification, and training in diagnoses and problem-solving of computerised cars.

If your daughter aspires to be an auto mechanic,

• she will be inspecting, repairing, and maintaining vehicles
• have a strong understanding of automotive parts and functions
• she will use diagnostic software or other tools to assess vehicles

Technology has made the auto sector a lucrative industry for the young workforce notwithstanding gender. It’s a hands-on skill to possess. In addition, it includes continued learning throughout the career through workshops, trainings, conferences, and participating in industry networking events.

Still, many parents will think twice given the precedence of gender discrimination and sexual harassment generally associated with the industry set-up. But as studies show, the times have changed. Women are now accepted and encouraged more than ever. As customers welcome a female reassurance in the automotive set-up, employers are looking to hire the female perspective in their auto shops.

Why not enable your daughter with automotive knowledge?

A mechanic does more than pulling wrenches. You get to learn many other skills. As you build upon these skills, it makes way for climbing up the industry ladder. Apart from the technical skills, working in this sector develops essential trade skills such as problem-solving, communication, and customer service.

The opportunities are endless, and plenty of career choices open up with mechanical experience and training as a base. The retirement prospects look brighter with options as instructors, management roles, government jobs in apprenticeship, or even garage owners.

Yes, your daughter should become an auto mechanic if she wants to

Dreams and determination aided with the right mentorship always brings in success. If your daughter is interested in auto mechanics let her explore it. There is no dearth of jobs in the sector. Regardless of gender, honest and skilled mechanics are the soul of the auto industry.

The leader in automotive services in Sydney, Sutherland Automotive, is proud of its team and its proficiency across brands. They are known for their integrity and refined craft providing the best services at fair prices to clients. Let your daughter flourish in a job that is steeped in innovation and opportunity.