Remembering the importance of women in the auto industry on International Women's Day

March 8, 2023
In honor of International Women's Day, we've rounded up some content that will hopefully both inspire more women to join the industry and shine some light on ways shops can attract more women techs.

Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group would like to wish everyone a happy International Women's Day!

The number of women in the auto repair industry continues to climb. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of women in this industry has risen from 9.9 percent in 2019 to 12.1 percent as of 2022. But there is always more we can do to encourage women to join this male-dominated workforce, especially when a report from TechForce Foundation (Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage) found that 93 percent of women technicians across the entire transportation sector said they were discouraged from becoming a technician as a child. The Vehicle Repair Group would love to see more women enter the auto industry, but this won't be possible if we don't change the mindset that "women shouldn't be technicians." 

Here are just a few articles and videos centered on women in the automotive industry that will hopefully both inspire more women to join the industry and shine some light on ways shops can attract more women techs.

100 percent of women technicians have faced gender bias: TechForce report

Auto repair shop owners have a role to play in bringing more women into the industry.

Women Techs Rock: From pets to cars - How Nelly found a career that fits

This tech started off at veterinary school before she found a career in the auto industry as a certified Nissan Master Technician.

On the Show Floor with Angelica Platero, Independent

Angelica Platero, an independent mobile tool dealer in California, shares why she loves this business and her customers.

Help attract and support women in collision repair as a Women's Industry Network sponsor

The Women's Industry Network is dedicated to driving the future of collision repair by attracting, developing, and advancing women.

The mighty women of the automotive industry

Females in the auto industry were once few and far between. Now, females are not only accepted, but many have set the bar for talent and performance.

Selling scan tools in the auto industry

Don’t let this distributor's beginner status fool you though, Melissa Bullock received Mac Tools’ Diamond status after her first year in the industry.

Keynote advises women in automotive to think ‘I am valuable, I’m intelligent, I’m an asset’

“I have two big goals: I want people to leave feeling empowered and engaged,” said Jessica Toliuszis, vice president of major accounts at Highline Warren and chair of the Women in Auto Care committee in her opening speech. “It’s important that our community feels very inclusive.”

How women can lead and communicate effectively in a male-dominated industry

In this video, Sherron Washington, CEO of The P3 Solution, chats with Amanda Silliker, former editor of PTEN, about how female leaders in the automotive industry can thrive through leadership skills and effective communication.

We encourage all our readers to take some time today to celebrate the many exceptional women across the auto repair industry.

About the Author

Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional Distributor

Emily Markham is the editor of  Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been writing about the automotive aftermarket since 2019, after graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in English. During her first three years with Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, Markham also wrote for Fleet Maintenance magazine. 

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