Women in the automotive industry - International Women's Day 2020

It’s no secret that the automotive industry is dominated by males. At all levels, from mechanical apprentice to corporate CEOs and executives, blokes are everywhere!

But there is no shortage of women who are staking their own claim in the automotive industry, and rightly so.

With International Women’s Day being celebrated on March 8, we’re going to learn a bit more about the women in our industry making waves and helping customers better care for their cars.

We asked some questions about what their thoughts were on working in the automotive industry, and here’s what we learnt!

Tina - Step Up Automotive

In her role, Tina is the ‘jack of all trades’ at Step Up Automotive, and the vast amount of experience she’s gained over her 10 years in the automotive industry has definitely helped.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: I am a car enthusiast so love cars but also love to ensure that my customer's cars are always running at their best and most reliable. I hate seeing people stranded on the side of the road.

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: The stigma attached to being a woman in the industry is that all we know is how to do book work... which is so not the case. I know a lot more about cars than many men out there! And I love to prove them wrong!

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: Don't let the bad attitude of others dampen your passion, relish in being just as good as a man!

Danielle - Above All Mechanical

Danielle is the owner and operator at Above All Mechanical, with an extensive 17-year career arming her with all the knowledge and expertise she needs.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: Helping everyday people, keep their vehicles safe for the families.

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: I would say women in this industry not always getting the same respect the males get, and not having faith that I am just as educated in this industry as the male members of my team. But we are slowly changing how people think and gaining respect along the way.

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: I believe in the day and age we are in, it is important that women feel comfortable in this industry. Any woman entering this field needs to have strong shoulders, be confident and believe you can do it because not all people change with the times. I encourage more women to enter this industry, it’s highly rewarding.

Belinda - Nationwide Auto Service Centre

Belinda has some serious skin in the game, with her career in the automotive industry spanning 15 years! Currently, she’s the Director at Nationwide Auto Service Centre.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: I love that every day is different. I also love that we can make a difference to people’s lives.

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: Seeing the stress when someone’s car lets them down and ordering parts that arrive and are not the right part for the job.

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: It’s a tough gig. It’s hot in summer and cold in winter but we can make a difference by being honest and trustworthy

Kythera - East Coast Auto Care

Kythera has been working in the automotive industry for 2 years as a manager/owner at East Coast Auto Care.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: You're always learning, and now I can work on my own car!

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: The way men perceive women and their knowledge of the industry.

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: Just do it, make sure you have thick skin and always back yourself!

Rhaisa - Rapid Tune Chadstone

Rhaisa is employed as the store manager at Rapid Tune Chadstone, and she’s been in the industry for over four years.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: Knowing how cars work, meeting people who care for their safety and the fun team environment we have in our workshop

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: Being a female in a male-dominated industry we have to work harder to prove we know what we're doing.

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: Don't be afraid to start something that you love. It will give you a basic set of life skills you can use at any given moment and you can also pass on to others.

Sacha - Sampson Automotive

Sacha has been working in the automotive industry for over eight years. She’s currently the Office Manager at Sampson Automotive.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: I love that every day is different. Being able to help our customers means a successful day at work!

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: The complexity of how everything works is often a challenge but also a great learning curve.

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: Embrace every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

Ainsley - Rapid Tune Mitcham

With five years in the automotive industry, Ainsley is currently the Store Manager at Rapid Tune Mitcham.

Q: What do you like (or love) about working in the automotive industry?

A: The knowledge I continue to gain

Q: What are some challenging parts of working in the automotive industry?

A: None!

Q: Do you have any advice or tips for young women who are considering a career in the automotive aftermarket industry?

A: Don't be afraid to try something new.

So there we have it, a bunch of insights from just a small handful of female experts in the automotive industry, covering a range of roles.

With AutoGuru, It’s never been easier for anyone, no matter how much you do or don’t know about cars, to book a service or repair.

We’re all about convenience and transparency, so if you need to get work done on your car, grab a free quote from one of the awesome auto service providers on AutoGuru!