Beyond the workshop floor: Why women are well suited to technical roles in motoring

In recent months, the South African motor industry has taken notable strides toward increasing gender inclusivity within technical roles. A growing number of women are being encouraged to pursue careers in vehicle bodybuilding, engineering, and related trades, thanks to collaborative efforts between the South African Vehicle and Bodybuilders' Association (SAVABA) and the Retail Motor Industry (RMI). These partnerships aim to address long-standing gender imbalances by offering targeted training programs and creating pathways for young women interested in technical fields. The initiative began with the hiring of two female mechanical engineering interns by a SAVABA-member business. This move reflects a broader effort to diversify the workforce and challenge traditional perceptions about who can excel in automotive and industrial settings. Ursula Ehmke-Engelbrecht, an HR administrator at the firm, noted that women possess qualities uniquely suited to technical work, including patience, meticulousness, and fine motor skills, traits often advantageous in tasks such as intricate wiring and precision assembly. She emphasized that while women remain underrepresented in the sector, their performance in workshops has consistently met or exceeded expectations. Kimberley Shoko, one of the interns based in KwaZulu-Natal, shared her positive experience during the program. Initially apprehensive about stepping into a male-dominated environment, she found support from her colleagues and gained valuable hands-on experience in areas ranging from welding to component integration. Shoko described the internship as transformative, stating that it helped her gain confidence and clarity about her career path. She urged aspiring women to pursue engineering and related fields, asserting that they are fully capable of thriving in the industry and contributing fresh perspectives. Ehmke-Engelbrecht highlighted the importance of such programs in connecting students with practical opportunities, especially since many young individuals are not yet part of trade unions or professional networks. Without these platforms, access to mentorship and employment could remain limited. To address this gap, SAVABA is actively urging its member companies to host more interns, particularly in disciplines like vehicle bodybuilding, fitting, turning, and millwrighting. These roles require both technical expertise and adaptability, making them ideal for diverse skill sets. Attie Serfontein, SAVABA’s national director, underscored the significance of these internships in fostering a more equitable industry landscape. He stated that the organization is dedicated to nurturing talent while actively tackling historical gender disparities. By investing in skills development and promoting diversity, SAVABA aims to strengthen the sector’s human capital and drive meaningful change. “We are not only building a stronger skills pipeline,” he said, “but also paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future in the automotive and bodybuilding industries.” As the initiative gains momentum, the focus remains on expanding access to training and creating sustainable opportunities for women in technical roles. With continued collaboration between industry bodies and educational institutions, the hope is that more young women will find their place in the evolving motor industry, bringing innovation and resilience to the workplace.