Female mechanics now account for 10% of the workforce, with the number working in the UK rising by 125% since 2011.

As a result, WhoCanFixMyCar.com is launching a female mechanic awareness scheme in partnership with its garages, to celebrate International Women’s Day, and encourage more women into the field.

In a survey, the business asked its garage network if they employed any women as mechanics, and if so how many. Almost a tenth (9%) of the garages and repair centres answered that they employ a female mechanic, compared to just under 4% in 2011.  

Alistair Preston, Co-Founder of WhoCanFixMyCar.com, said: “A recent statistic showed that there are now more female drivers on the road than male in the UK, so I’m not surprised to see that the number of female mechanics is also growing – it’s something we’re delighted to see and it should be actively encouraged.

“We also see time and time again that key decision makers within these businesses are female. They are helping support and grow these businesses as much as anybody.

“What our research shows is that change is happening. There is absolutely no reason why women can’t forge a great career within the industry, they just need the opportunity and encouragement, which is why we’re working with the garages on our platform to employ female apprentices.

“We’re confident that with this approach, in another couple of years we’ll see the number of female mechanics increase again.”

93% of garages surveyed indicated a positive impact from their female mechanic team, demonstrating the value of female mechanics.

To coincide with International Women’s Day on the March 8, WhoCanFixMyCar.com will be launching an awareness scheme for young girls and women, by working with its network of 11,000 garages to find them opportunities.

Budding female mechanics considering a move into the industry can register their interest with WhoCanFixMyCar.com here: https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/female-mechanic-signup