To get ahead in their career, women often need to be seen to be as good as men and more…

Indeed it might be argued that in a man’s world, as the UK motor industry undoubtedly is, why would they want more women when they presumably imagine they are doing fine as it is, thank you…

Whereas for many women, we want to be as good as we can be in our career to prove this to ourselves (we know we can…) but we often lack confidence to take on the uber-confident male and, wherever possible, we’ll avoid conflict even when we miss out.

Which may all go some way towards explaining why there are so few women in the UK motor industry (just 20% in fact) – that and the fact that many female motorists perceive the likes of garages and dealerships to be unfriendly places to visit and where it is rare (but reassuring) to see females in customer facing roles.

For a whole host of reasons, I am keen to see more done to promote the right women into management roles in particular, hence FOXY Choice setting up its Female Business Ambassador network recently to put the spotlight on those who are doing such a great job.

They can then act as female role models on a local stage, promote themselves and their business locally and online and thus encourage others in their wake, by example. To do this well, many women need support and encouragement to further their career, even when they are potentially the best candidate for a new promotion. Men rarely hesitate to sell themselves whereas few women are as pushy in the self-promotion queue…

Which is why the recent funding initiative from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) called ‘Raising Skills and Unlocking Potential’ could make all the difference to career prospects for many women in the UK motor industry.

In brief, employers who decide to train a female member of staff can now claim £400 funding towards the cost. Valid until February 2011 this money is subject to approval of a formal training programme costing at least £1000 and some simple terms and conditions.

Clearly the devil is in the detail and no-one can apply if they have received funding during an earlier phase of this scheme, but it looks as if the employer is required to contribute 10% of the total programme cost in cash but that the cost of employing the member of staff whilst she is being trained may be deducted from the balance of the training bill, net of the £400 allowance…

To find out more, why not speak to IMI’s Careers Administrator Sue Short on 01992 511 521.

So if you are reading this, work in the UK motor industry (or would like to) and would like to advance your career into management perhaps (or move from or into the workshop) employers are likely to be more receptive to help you retrain to all round mutual benefit.

You could learn new skills, feel more fulfilled in your role and do a better job for your employer. And on the bigger stage, do your bit to help the industry be more female friendly towards women drivers in futre.

FOXY

Find out more about FOXY Choice’s Female Business Ambassador network to help women in the UK motor industry promote themselves and their female friendly garage employer.

You might also be interested to read about work opportunities for women and why girls shouldn’t leave the motor industry to boys in future ;-).