Women considering entering the motor industry or other perceived male-dominated sectors have been advised to use previous examples of women doing this as mentors.

According to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), women who want to become motor mechanics, engineers, plumbers or the like can use other females who have succeeded to hold up as role models.

"If you are a woman and your passion is plumbing or a man who wants to get into nursing then you should follow this dream and not be limited by general gender perceptions," Chris Banks from the LSC said.

The LSC offers the example of Kaye Dewsnap, who resisted the desire of her family for her to enter hairdressing to begin an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.

She joined Renault's dealership in Manchester on a full-time placement in 2004, according to the LSC, and has become a "popular and valued member of the team".

Other examples held up by the LSC of women succeeding in male-dominated areas include Sarah Beeny, the property expert and TV presenter, and Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton for their work in the political arena.

According to the Renault website, it currently runs a three-year apprenticeship programme on Renault vehicle maintenance and diagnostics.

FOXY Lady Drivers Club would like to see more women enter the male-dominated UK motor industry because motoring services can be much more female-friendly.

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