Bapcor Trade promoted gender equality as part of International Women’s Day.
As owners of Burson Auto Parts and Precision Automotive Equipment, among other trade businesses in the automotive space, Bapcor’s operations involves many women working across numerous departments.
Many women have strived for achievement and success in spite of working in an industry historically impacted by gender bias, say Bapcor Trade executive general manager Steve Drummy.
“International Women’s Day provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness of women in our industry and the long term career ascension opportunities available to them,” says Drummy.
“We seek to break the gender bias that exists in our industry and play our part to encourage and support more women to bring their talent, expertise and enthusiasm to the automotive aftermarket business.”
For Shanara Phillips, a second-year apprentice at Horsham Off Road in Victoria, cars have been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“I have grown up around cars pretty much ever since I was born. My dad is a mechanic as well so I had quite a bit of experience before I started my apprenticeship as a mechanic 14 months ago,” she says.
“The people I work with and my bosses make work enjoyable – I consider taking on this job as the best decision that I have made.
“I do sometimes feel like males can doubt females of what they can achieve. I believe that there isn’t much difference between males and females in any industry, anyone can put their mind to something and always achieve it with the right positive attitude.”
Bapcor Trade notes that gender equality is “a real and important part of any business structure”, adding that inclusion and diversity in the workplace is “paramount in any company or industry”.
Britney Olive, a pit crew member for Lamattina Top Fuel Racing in Victoria, recommends more young women to get involved in the automotive world.
“I have been around the sport of drag racing since before I could walk so, it seemed to just come naturally to me to pursue this as a career. I first started crewing on my Dad’s Nitro Funny cars when I was 15 years of age. I started off by doing simple tasks such as filling the fuel and oil after each run and helping him re-pack his parachutes,” she says.
“I would 100% recommend any female to become involved in drag racing. Being part of a sport such as this as a young female is both daunting and rewarding, due to it being such a male dominated sport.
“For young women that have a love for cars, just get involved and give it a go. Weather it is racing or working on a car, at the end of the day it’s down to how passionate you are about the industry and giving something a go that not everyone gets the chance to do.”
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