Kimberley Shoko is thriving as a mechanical engineering intern.
Image: Supplied
Specialist vehicle body and accessory manufacturing has always been a male-dominated industry, but in recent times some key figures in the sector have been taking steps to turn the tide in a more gender inclusive direction.
To that end, the South African Vehicle and Bodybuilders' Association (SAVABA) has teamed up with the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) to launch a focused strategy aimed at accelerating skills development and promoting gender transformation.
The sector, which encompasses everything from truck body manufacturers to trailer builders and other special-application vehicle specialists, offers a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as engineering, production management, quality control and client liaison.
Ursula Ehmke-Engelbrecht, an HR Administrator at one of SAVABA's member businesses that recently hired two female mechanical engineering interns, believes that young women are particularly well-suited to technical roles.
"Women are still underrepresented in this space, but in our experience, they bring great patience and attention to detail – not to mention smaller hands – which are perfect for intricate wiring work in auto electrical systems.
"We’ve seen firsthand that women can perform just as well - if not better - in certain workshop roles. The problem is that not enough are entering the field.”
The company's intern in KwaZulu-Natal, Kimberley Shoko, said the internship had boosted her confidence and given her a greater sense of direction.
“I was really nervous when I first arrived, but the team has been so supportive. Every day I’m learning something new – from welding techniques to understanding how all the components fit together. It’s one thing to study engineering in a classroom, but it’s another to see it come to life on the floor.
“If you’re passionate about engineering, go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong," she added.
"I’ve learned that women absolutely can thrive in this industry - and we bring a fresh perspective too.”
There are plenty of career opportunities for technically inclined individuals in the motor industry.
Image: Supplied
Ehmke-Engelbrecht said this kind of initiative can make a real difference across the industry, as many students aren't yet part of trade unions or networks, and therefore they need platforms such as this to help connect them with opportunities.
SAVABA is actively encouraging its member businesses to open their doors to interns, particularly in fields such as vehicle bodybuilding, fitting and turning and millwright disciplines.
SAVABA's national director Attie Serfontein said the most recent intern placements are a meaningful step towards breaking barriers and forging a more inclusive future in the sector.
“We are committed to cultivating talent while addressing gender disparities that have traditionally characterised the automotive and bodybuilding industries,” Serfontein explained.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only strengthening the skills pipeline, but actively driving transformation”.