Autotech Academy says it is seeing more young women choosing careers in vehicle maintenance and repair.
The group works with FE colleges offering motor vehicle courses and helps newly qualified technicians transition into employment through paid industry internships.
“We’re seeing growing numbers of young women coming through into automotive training and internships, which is incredibly encouraging for the future of the industry,” said Ryan Ford, head of Autotech Academy.
“What’s important now is making sure those newly qualified technicians feel supported as they move from education into the workplace.
“Starting out in any new career can feel daunting, so having the right environment, mentoring and encouragement around them can make a huge difference to confidence and long-term success.”
At Stamford College in Lincolnshire, female participation across motor vehicle programmes is said to have risen in recent years.
Anton Maycock, Motor Vehicle Lecturer at Stamford College, said: “When I first started here four years ago, across all of our Level 1 classes we only had two girls, and sadly neither progressed beyond that year.
“Now, across Level 1 we have around six female students, and in Level 3 six out of nine students are women. That’s a dramatic shift.”
This year’s Level 3 cohort also represents a reversal of traditional classroom dynamics, with women now outnumbering men – a stark contrast to the wider automotive workforce.
Anton believes the shift is being driven by both personal exposure to the trade and the creation of inclusive learning environments: “Many of the girls have family members who work in the trade, which sparked their interest. But just as importantly, we foster a supportive environment with zero tolerance for sexist behaviour, so they feel confident staying on the course.”
