THE Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) says that there remains a strong gender imbalance in the automotive industry.

A report issued in support of International Women in Engineering Day (June 23), found only 20% of jobs in the automotive retail industry currently occupied by women.

However, there is better news for apprenticeships: statistics show that 54% of all apprenticeships starts were women in 2016/17. But it’s a mixed picture: only 6% of Engineering apprenticeships are filled by females.

Nevertheless, the sector faces a brighter future with the news that more businesses are increasing their employment of women in more senior positions within the business – demonstrating that females certainly have a role to play in the motor industry.

For example, Linda Jackson, Citroen Global CEO, was recently named the the most influential British woman working in the motor industry by Autocar magazine.

As the professional body for the sector, the IMI is calling on all leaders across the industry to help raise awareness of the career opportunities available to women.

The IMI says that the stigma associated with what have, to date, been perceived as male-dominated industries – in particular engineering, IT and automotive – is having a profound impact on the career choices of young women.

Lesley Woolley, COO at the IMI, said:

“As a woman in what is perceived to be a male-dominated business, I’m proud to be a COO in a business that takes gender equality very seriously.

“I and the other women employed at the Institute of the Motor Industry form part of a 60% female majority, representing the changing face of our sector.

“It’s widely accepted these days that a gender balance in the modern workplace delivers better business results, if this balance is also reflected within a senior management team then the culture and performance of a business are better aligned. I have witnessed this at first hand.

“We have a great sector where women can carve a successful career like never before; the exciting opportunities driven by technological advancement increase these career opportunities on an almost exponential basis, so I welcome women thinking about the motor industry to join us to shape its future.”