Automotive is full of opportunities
I joined the Ford engineering apprenticeship and was assigned to central repair garage for their heavy vehicles, mainly used for our car transporters and trailers. I had no idea what to expect when I first joined the automotive world. I certainly did not expect the way I fell in love with it. It changed my life for the better.
I knew it would come with its challenges. Being the only female in the garage, I felt out of place. That’s different now. I am fully accepted and welcomed by everyone.
The thing I enjoy most about the job is the mechanics of it. I love fixing vehicles, whether it’s my lorries or my friends’ and family’s cars. I also love the people. I’m surrounded by great people in my job.
My day-to-day job involves problem solving, practical skills, mechanical knowledge and heavy lifting. My role can involve anything from a simple service to brake relining. The work I do is very diverse. I’m constantly learning.
The sector is changing in the sense that there are new ways of powering cars, such as electric or hydrogen, which means new learning opportunities for me and my colleagues.
Change can be scary. However, I like to learn new things, so any opportunity to do that is exciting.
I would recommend the automotive industry to anyone. To any woman who thinks you might be an outcast in a “man’s world”, it’s not true. That’s not to say it’s not without challenges, I have faced many, but the result is magnificent. I have met my best friends in this job. People who protect me, include me and make me feel part of something.
Be open minded. Five years ago, I never saw myself working in the automotive industry, but it’s been my biggest and most exciting adventure of my life so far. It’s full of opportunity.
