Women mechanics: their place, challenges and importance

Auto repair is still seen as men's territory, but that image is changing. More and more women drive, take care of their own cars and choose automotive repair as a career. For a repair shop, understanding this shift is also a way to grow the team and connect with a growing audience. Here is the path of women mechanics, the challenges in the field and why their presence matters.

How women came to auto repair

For a long time, women were kept out of many professions, and auto repair was one of the most closed fields. Even so, some pioneers paved the way. One of the best-remembered examples is Wilma K. Russey, a taxi driver who learned mechanics in 1915 to look after her own cab.

Today, despite progress, the profession is still associated with men. At the same time, women's interest in the automotive world is growing. A national survey in Brazil found that 58% of people interested in owning a car were women. As a result, the presence of women at repair shops, as customers and as professionals, is likely to grow.

The main challenges in the field

The start of the career is often hard. Many courses are aimed at experienced mechanics or cover specific topics, without broad training for beginners. A common alternative is to start as an assistant or apprentice at a shop.

The biggest barrier, however, is acceptance. Some people still doubt women's ability to do the work, and it is not unusual for customers to wait for a man to serve them. Explaining the work clearly, studying new technologies and focusing on customer service help build trust and recognition.

What the shop gains

A more diverse team broadens the perspective on customer service and can be a plus for customers who feel more comfortable with a woman professional. For the shop, opening the door to women mechanics also means access to more talent in a market where skilled labor is in high demand.

Technology for your shop

Onmotor offers repair shop software with six plans to choose from. Talk to our team and learn more about Onmotor.