What a result for the Lionesses on Sunday, with England winning Euro 2022. The team are going to inspire so many girls to get involved in a sport that was until recently seen as being dominated by men.
The automotive industry is also seen as being dominated by men. But things are changing. In 2021, Alison Jones became the first female president of SMMT, and there are a number of schemes that are encouraging more women to consider a career in the sector.
One such scheme is Women in Transport, a not-for-profit that empowers women to maximise their potential. Manufacturers in bus and coach, engines and trucks are also running initiatives to attract diverse workforces, with apprenticeships and flexible working hours.
Broadening the talent pool can help drive success – and will be essential as the CV sector meets the challenges of decarbonisation and economic headwinds. Last month saw LCV registrations decline once again, by -20.7%, while the latest outlook anticipates the market to finish 13.7% down in terms of units by the end of the year. However, so far battery electric vehicles have accounted for one in 18 new vans registered this year so far, up from one in 37, with more to come – testament to how the industry is changing.
It is great to see schemes that increase our sector’s appeal and I look forward to us welcoming more women into the industry, be they trade body presidents, apprentice engineers and every role in between. It will mean that everyone wins.
