The percentage of female automotive technicians in the industry is growing.
Hiring these excellent employees can increase diversity, while also
improving the work environment and overall productivity.
When I first started
out as a female technician in the mid-2000s, I was an anomaly. Now, when I
travel to repair facilities to do mechanical failure inspections (my current
day job), I often see women working in service bays. And it always puts a smile
on my face. Female techs have a lot to offer and are a vital asset to any
dealership.
Benefits of hiring
female automotive technicians
The automotive
industry is no longer exclusively a “man’s world”. Women are popping up
all over – and not just as service advisors. The number of female
technicians is growing, and your dealership can benefit from hiring them. These
are the primary perks associated with bringing women techs onboard:
1. Diversity
Greatness is born from
diversity – and that’s why it’s imperative your dealership has female
technicians on staff. Women can provide a different viewpoint when it comes to
problem solving and diagnostics. Plus, they have different physical attributes.
For example, a cramped tune-up job is a perfect task for a pair of small,
female hands.
2. Better
environment
When male technicians
are just with “the guys” day in and day out, they may lose touch with women’s
unique needs. But that changes when female auto technicians are around. Regularly
being with someone different from yourself improves understanding and
acceptance. As a result, men are likely to be more considerate towards both
female customers and coworkers.
3. Larger applicant
pool
It’s no secret there’s
a shortage of automotive technicians. Adding women to your list of candidates
increases your applicant pool and improves your chances of hiring a stellar
tech.
4. Exceptional
technicians
Some of the best
technicians I’ve encountered have been women. It’s unfortunate, but because
they've been discriminated against, women in the auto industry often feel they
have more to prove. As a result, they’ll go the extra mile, getting the
training and certification they need to make them the best in the business.
5. Increased
employee morale
A diverse team brings
employees together and increases morale. Women add a little something extra to
the mix that helps everyone unite as one.
6. Greater trust
Women trust other women – especially in the male-dominated automotive industry. In many cases, having a female technician on staff will earn greater trust from women customers.