Venson Automotive Solutions is calling for more to be done at grassroots to attract female talent into the sector as it warns of an ongoing gender imbalance.

Alison Bell, operations director of Venson Automotive Solutions.

The fleet management specialist has applauded the launch of the Association of Fleet Professionals’ (AFP) new training course, designed to give women working in the fleet industry the confidence to have their voices heard.

Data clearly shows that more needs to be done at a societal level and across primary and tertiary education to encourage women into the sector, including fleet.

Research shows female representation in the automotive sector hovers at just 19% compared to 51% in non-automotive industries.

And a new survey by Venson has revealed 50% of women have never considered working in the motor industry and a third had never had a career in the sector presented as an option to them by their family, school or college.

The leadership team at Venson is predominately female and includes managing director Samantha Roff, operations director Alison Bell, business development director Danielle Tilley and Daire McGovern, who recently joined as group finance director.

Venson says it’s also important to open up career opportunities in other areas of the automotive sector for women as it warns of the biggest skills challenge of the last two decades.

Alison Bell said: “The good news is that 34% of women aged between 18 and 24 that we surveyed said they would consider a career in the automotive sector. However, nearly 75% of all women said that they believe they wouldn’t have the technical abilities or qualifications needed for many of the jobs on offer. By placing automotive careers opportunities on the radar for all school and college pupils, regardless of gender, and opening the door to obtain the necessary qualifications could address this misconception in the future.

“The Institute of the Motor Industry reports that filling traditional posts, including vehicle technicians, tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters is still a significant challenge, it is easy to see the knock-on effect on the fleet industry unless initiatives are taken to address the gender imbalance.”

She added that even with the positive response from the 18- to 24-year-olds, it’s clear that more needs to be done to capture the younger age group at school and college level when they are thinking of their career options and choosing their exam subjects.

Bell summed up: “We can only imagine the upward trajectory if more was done to promote a career with cars to girls, from early years.

“We all need to play our part in promoting our chosen automotive and fleet sector career paths to help demonstrate that they are attainable to all and that anyone can work in what is one of the world’s most exciting industries.”