Yesterday Sandicliffe Motor Contracts joined the Women’s Automotive at the Institute of Motor Industry’s (IMI) headquarters in Hertfordshire for their third meeting of the year.
The Women’s Automotive is a networking group designed to encourage, promote and support females within the industry. Meeting each quarter, the group share and discuss the latest sector trends and look at how, as a group, they can make a difference.
In attendance yesterday was Sandicliffe Motor Contracts’ Trish Halford, senior courtesy car development manager who has been attending the group since its inception in 2013.
“As a female working in the automotive sector for 30 years now,” Trish commented yesterday, “it’s important for me to be able to reach out to other like-minded women in the industry for support and inspiration. And the Women’s Automotive is a great way to do just that.
“To also share and spread the word of the Women’s Automotive, I’ve actually brought along two of our newest members to come along today and find out more.”
With around 40 representatives present at the meet yesterday, the overarching theme of the day was how to best to support and develop the industry’s existing women whilst also attracting the next generation to the sector.
Hayley Cromwell-Dorrell from the IMI spoke to the group about the IMI services that can help develop women in the industry. From IMI membership to training and accreditation, the IMI can give women the professional recognition and development they need to continue progressing their careers.
Looking at attracting more women into the industry, in particular school leavers, Sarah Temprell, from Babcock Training shared with the group the new Volkswagen Group campaign #DrivenWomen. The campaign hopes to boost the amount of females enrolling onto the group’s Apprenticeship scheme through a range of activities, mainly in which aim to promote the idea of bodyshop and vehicle repair as an acceptable career for young females.
Also announced on the day was the appointment of new chair for the group, Kelly Dalwood, news editor at ABP.
Kelly said, “I am excited by the enthusiasm of our members to continue to raise the profile of the group and to ensure that the motor industry is a viable career for women.”
We wish Kelly all the best in her new role and we will be sure to see all the lovely ladies again at the next meeting in December.
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