Women working in trades and traditionally male-dominated roles are no longer exceptions; they are trailblazers, leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of tomorrow. These women are breaking down barriers, forging new paths, and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps. However, the journey has not been easy. Historically, women have faced significant challenges when entering industries like automotive – workplace culture, gender stereotypes, a lack of role models, and limited support have long discouraged many from pursuing or obtaining careers in these fields. In fact, women currently make up just 2% of mechanics (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024) and 8% of automotive apprentices (NCVER, 2024).
Despite these setbacks, the tide is turning. With increasing support and evolving perceptions, new opportunities are emerging to empower and uplift women in the automotive industry. Women working in trades are no longer seen as outliers but are now playing critical roles as leaders and decision-makers. These women are helping to reshape industries and inspire positive change. More and more programs and initiatives are designed to support women in pursuing these careers, helping them build the skills, networks, and confidence they need to succeed.
One such initiative is Auto Women, a program established in 2022 by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland), which works to create a supportive and inclusive environment for women working across the automotive sector. Auto Women connects women in a range of fields to create a network that encourages collaboration, learning, and professional growth. The program is dedicated to empowering women to reach their full potential – whether they are just starting out or looking to advance in their careers. By offering networking events and a range of opportunities across Queensland, Auto Women is not just helping women build careers in the automotive industry but also fostering a community where they can share experiences and learn from one another.
With a vision to expand nationally, Auto Women is continually enhancing its offerings to support both individuals and businesses. Resources like mentorship programs, career development tools, and advocacy initiatives are all part of the program’s efforts to create a more inclusive, diverse workforce where women can rise to leadership roles. These efforts are particularly important given the barriers that women face in the industry, from challenges in securing senior positions to a gender pay gap that remains pervasive.
In August 2024, MTA Queensland introduced the Women in Trades Apprenticeship Mentoring Program, providing one-on-one mentorship support to female automotive apprentices across Queensland. In partnership with BUSY Sisters, the program delivers the guidance and resources necessary for women to thrive in their apprenticeship and offers a community of support and networking. Extending to employers of female apprentices and trainees, business owners have access to a range of tools to ensure they provide a safe,
supportive, and inclusive workplace for females, ensuring women in trades can succeed. With access to monthly webinars tackling different issues such as hidden biases, self-doubt, and lack of support in the industry, apprentices, trainees, and employers can further understand the systemic setbacks women face in male-dominated fields and are provided educational resources on how to tackle them. Additionally, scheduled outreach road trips designed to connect more apprentices and mentors in Regional Queensland cast a wider support net, not only reaching more females, but fostering an even larger network of women in the field who can access support, guidance, and comradery. This initiative is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
Addressing the gender pay gap is another critical focus of Auto Women. The 2022-23 Workplace Gender Equality Report revealed a 25.5% average total remuneration gender pay gap in the Repairs and Maintenance sector. This gap is driven by a higher proportion of men in leadership roles, while women are typically clustered in the middle and lower pay quartiles. To tackle this issue, MTA Queensland introduced the Auto Women Scholarship Program, which provides four scholarships annually to women in Queensland’s automotive sector. The scholarships are designed to accelerate women’s careers by offering professional development and leadership training, positioning them for senior and executive-level roles.
This commitment to breaking down barriers extends to the growing challenge of attracting and retaining female apprentices. Research shows that more than 50% of women in trade apprenticeships fail to complete their studies, primarily due to workplace culture, systemic biases, and a lack of support. Given these obstacles, the dropout rate is higher for female apprentices compared to their male counterparts. Auto Women is addressing these challenges head-on, offering support and creating a community where women can find encouragement, advice, and resources that help them overcome the systemic barriers in the industry.
The efforts of Auto Women are not just about improving the experiences of women in the automotive industry; they’re about creating lasting economic and social impact. The increase of women in trades has already helped improve Australia’s economy by 22% over the past 30 years (Goldman Sachs), and experts predict that increasing the number of women in trades by just 6% could add approximately $25 billion to Australia’s economy. Auto Women plays a key role in this shift, not only by empowering individual women but also by setting a new industry standard for inclusion, diversity, and equality.
Without increased female participation, industries continue to face challenges such as skills and occupation shortages. The Queensland Future Skills Report (2024) predicts the demand for automotive technicians will grow by 14.2% by 2025-26, however, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA, 2018) highlights that Australia’s aging population will lead to a decrease and fall in the number of technicians by 2.6%. To mitigate this reduction, businesses must expand their skills and trade pools to continue to meet the demand for technicians. By fostering an inclusive environment, the industry can draw from a larger pool
of applicants and apprentices who positively contribute to the skills shortages and overall health of the industry.
MTA Queensland is dedicated to creating an automotive industry that is not only skilled but also diverse, inclusive, and supportive of women at every level. Through initiatives like Auto Women, the organisation is building a future where women in automotive trades are given every opportunity to succeed, whether through mentorship, scholarships, or networking events. By fostering an environment of support and inclusion, Auto Women is helping to drive a more inclusive and thriving automotive industry.
For women who are considering a career in the automotive industry, Auto Women offers a wealth of resources, guidance, and community. If you’re ready to join a network of like-minded women who are shaping the future of automotive, now is the time to get involved. Together, we can drive the future of the automotive industry forward.
