New program hopes to get more women into automotive apprenticeships

A new scheme aimed at encouraging more women into taking up apprenticeships in the automotive industry has been launched today.

On Thursday, Women in Automotive (WinA) and the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) rolled out the new State Government-funded grant program.

With funding from Apprenticeships Victoria, the initiative, entitled Accelerating Women into Automotive, forms part of the Victorian Government’s new $5 million Women in Apprenticeships fund.

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It’s hoped the scheme will support getting 615 women into the male-dominated sector at a time of acute skill shortages. Currently only 6.3 per cent of those embarking on an automotive qualification are female.

The five-week program will offer successful applicants specialised training and a work placement – covering everything from mechanics, to engineering, as well as sales and repairs.

“WinA exists to attract, recruit and retain women across all levels and sectors of automotive, so we hope this will encourage more women to join and change the gender perception that has long been associated with the industry,” said VACC’s lead, strategy and policy and WinA manager Dr Imogen Reid.

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“At the completion of the program, we hope participants will feel excited to join the industry and undertake their full apprenticeship. By providing the right training and employment opportunities, we aim to increase the completion rates of female apprentices in automotive.

“We know that organisations significantly benefit from improved gender diversity. We’re excited by the opportunity this program presents – effectively breaking down barriers to entry for both women and businesses who would like to employ more [of them].”