In collaboration with KwikFit‘s International Women’s Day celebrations, the NTDA asked 5 nominated KwikFit staff members to share their experiences from the tyre trade. With over 600 depots KwikFit, we sadly couldn’t hear from all the female staff members but we hope that this insight is well rounded in the opinions that were given.
We first heard from Angela a MOT tester at Sydenham KwikFit who has been in the trade for 35 years.
Angela, MOT Tester, 35 years in the Tyre Industry
How did you get started in the industry? What was your first experience like?
I worked in a reception of a garage, as my first experience. I wanted to work in the workshop from a very young age, but when I was at school, they said that wasn’t a job for young ladies.
What was the most significant challenge you faced in breaking into or advancing within a traditionally male-dominated industry?
The unexpected foal mouthing in the industry because a lot them don’t think at that time that women should be doing these sorts of jobs.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring in the industry?
Making other women more comfortable within the garage environment and providing a safe space for them to consider their needs without prejudice.
What aspects do you enjoy the most and a highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career would be becoming a MOT tester, a very hard course to do and achieve. There’s quite a lot of males out there haven’t be able to achieve that. I like doing my job and the recognition for the hard work that I receive.
In your view, how has the trade evolved over the past decade?
It’s evolved a lot, but there’s still things to beat. There are a few women coming through, not as many as I’d like, but there is a few. It’s getting a lot better for the women. Within the apprenticeships I’ve seen a few come through but we need a lot more.
Carla Gunn, Motability Operations Manager, 17 years with KwikFit
How did you get started in the industry? What was your first experience like?
I had finished my degree and progressed in a managerial role for a high street fashion retailer but after a few years I felt it was time for a bit of a change, and it was literally through word of mouth that I heard about KwikFit – Fleet as we were know as back then. The office was local to me and people couldn’t speak more highly about the place, it was a great place to work, the job’s enjoyable, people felt valued, the salary was competitive, so those comments really were so positive and sparked an interest, so I was successful in my application and started as an agent and driver support. My first impression was exactly how people had said it would be. People were so welcoming and friendly, and I was really excited.
And what advice would you give to young women aspiring in the industry?
Oh, don’t stop. Keep challenging yourself. Have belief that if you expand your knowledge and gain experience and have the right mindset, you can achieve like so much and it’s literally only a man’s world if you let it.
What does International Woman’s Day mean to you?
I think it’s a fantastic platform for them for celebrating the success of women. It’s really important as it continues to raise awareness for the gender pay gaps and the lack of gender diversity and leadership but also it recognises that all genders actually support women’s rights, which is so important.
Which women inspire you?
There’s so many like from the ones that you learn about in school, such as Pankhurst and Nightingale. Like more recently for me, and they’re probably a bit unusual, but Dolly Parton and Serena Williams. But there’s also, a fantastic mentor that I’ve had on my KwikFit journey. She’s always here to listen. She genuinely cares. And she challenges respectfully, I often see and hear her champion and encourage other women within the workplace. And let her passion for gender equality really shines through. She had an amazing journey herself, which is an inspiration and very encouraging.
What are your thoughts on the trade?
It’s always evolving. It’s so fast-paced. It’s become more challenging. There’s like growing demand for DV tyres that aren’t always readily available. There’s more environmental and economic sustainability pressures, and then there’s been the technological advances in cars and tyres. There’s just a lot more tyre options. It’s challenging, but there’s lots of scope for growth and innovation, so it’s exciting. Like other sectors and the automotive industry, it remains male dominated. Women are underrepresented at various levels. There’s been significant efforts to improve gender equality and ensure we’re much more inclusive. But also, women aren’t naturally, naturally drawn to the industry, so that remains a challenge for us.
Looking back, what key decisions or actions do you feel have contributed to your success?
There’s probably a few I’ve learned that feedback is not always a personal attack. We all take pride in our work, so it can feel very personal that the majority of the time it just comes from a really good place. Also I keep educating myself, so I’ll read the industry content, leadership books and attend events that keep me learning as well. Most recently, it’s probably been my decision to say yes, the things that make me feel uncomfortable. So that I keep challenging myself as I go forward.
And in your view, how has the trade evolved over the past decade?
Massively like I thought it was a huge change when they brought in the tyre labelling. But the size of cars have changed with the shift to Suv’s. Then there’s electric vehicles like technological advances in cars, tyres, computer systems and customary expectations are far greater than ever. But most notably, it’s definitely the variation in the tyres. We’ve got 4 by 4s, winter, summer or season to rain, snow, silent, the homologated. There’s various tread patterns.
How has the NTDA influenced the trade, and has it played a role in your journey?
The NTDA plays such a huge part in the tyre industry, especially in terms of promoting best practise, ensuring quality and safety guidelines are adhered to. Policies and regulations that benefit the industry, and they’ve a passion for educating, helping the industry stay up to date with development, and technological advances. So that is a considerable impact in the industry and it will have indirectly played a part in my journey.
Jessica Derbyshire, Centre Manager, 7 years with KwikFit
How did you get started in the industry and what was your first experience like?
It was originally from having an interest in cars and I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now which, actually led me to complete an apprenticeship in repairs. I completed this with an independent garage and upon completing I went to a tyre fitting role within Kwik fit. Initially coming into the sector was daunting however has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I wasn’t sure what to expect my first experience however it has been nothing but positive.
The most significant challenge you faced in breaking into or advancing within a traditionally male dominated industry, and how did you overcome it?
For the most significant challenge at first coming into a male dominated industry is as a female is that sometimes people underestimate my abilities and assume that I work in a different role, i.e. receptionist. This is something I still deal with for this day however I’ve overcome this with a combination of resilience and the pride I feel and knowing I’m able to carry out this role as well as anybody else.
And what advice would you give to young women inspiring in the Industry?
My advice to give to young women aspiring in the industry would be to go for it. Take a chance as the automotive industry needs more women to break the mould of a typically male dominant environment.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day means to me that it’s all about empowering women showing that we can do everything just as much as everybody else.
Which women inspire you?
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by lots of inspiring women amongst my family and friends. I had my Nana, unfortunately she did pass away when I was only 9 but she had done a lot, and she used to work as a care worker. She’s got herself injured but she still carried on working no matter what she powered through everything.
What are your thoughts on trade?
Working in the trade is a rewarding job however I think the progress is still to be made in building a pride in work and being reputable trade as sometimes there can be a negative stigma associated with our trade.
What aspects do you enjoy the most and what’s been a highlight of your career?
For a career highlight for myself is progressing to being the centre manager it’s something very proud of and I enjoyed leading the team. But also, still being able to work hand bond engaging with customers another aspect I enjoy is the continuous learning for my team and gaining new knowledge and skills.
In your view, how has the trade evolved over the past decade?
I feel like the trade has evolved with the world with the technologies and advancements, but the real change is the increase in women in the industry and the acceptance of them.
Lesley Cowan, Regional Network Manager, 9 years at KwikFit
How did you get started in the industry and what was your first experience like?
I’ve always had a strong interest in cars from a young age. I’d completed 12 years as an area manager in the betting industry. I started off as a trainee operations manager, possibly for about six months. And then I spent time with experienced operators. Looked at training, development opportunities to progress within the role and within six months I was running my own area as a fully pledged operations manager.
What was the most significant challenge you faced in breaking into or advancing within a traditionally male dominated industry, and how did you overcome it?
This is quite interesting for me because it’s always been, you know, female stereotypes. She’s a female. What does she know? And that’s what I believed in. However, there was an odd few occasions where that was the case, but it just had to be nipped on the bud as soon as I’m quite a strong character when it comes to, you know, being able to challenge people. So that’s a not a problem. There’s also a fear of having limited opportunities within the business. Just because you’re a female. I was always determined to never give up. I was working hard. I was working away from home. I would take any training courses that I could get or something that would better me to spend time with other people and just reviewing what my plan was and adjusting it accordingly.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring in the industry?
I’d probably say for a young woman as be confident, confident in yourself, network with other people, other departments, learn and develop your own skills from those people. And ask for feedback, but probably the most important one is never give up on what you dream.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
You see lots of posts online, you know whether it’s LinkedIn, whether it’s Facebook, and it’s a bit recognition being a female within the business. And I just think it’s great. Sometimes people just need an arm round the shoulder to say well done. Because it is a difficult industry, male predominant industry for a female to be in and be successful.
Which women inspire you?
Women that inspire me, I would have to probably say Michelle Obama. You know, in America, she’s so confident she works hard at what she does. She’s dedicated in many ways to many girls to believe in themselves.
What are your thoughts of the trade?
I think it’s a great trade to be in, especially coming from school for some of the young apprenticeships. We run a great apprenticeship scheme coming through the there’s always development opportunities coming through the rank. And we’ve got our own training schools. I just think that the opportunity is massive and if people are committed and want to do well and quick fit can certainly throw all the training that’s available to you.
Looking back, what key decisions or actions do you feel have contributed to your success?
That would be being resilient. I’ve Just never given up reviewing the situation. There’s been good times and there’s been bad times, but sometimes you don’t learn from the bad times. You’ve got to take on board what’s happened. How did we deal with that situation? What did we do differently, and how do we make sure that it’s not going to happen again?
How has the NTDA influenced the trade and has it played a role in your journey?
I’d probably say in terms of influence in my journey as the recognition that you see from the NTDA, when it when it’s the awards. The Apprentice Awards that’s coming up, the tyre fitter awards and even up to myself being nominated. That’s the first time and it’s a proud moment to have a nomination.
Mary Louise Russell, Head of Customer Care, 13 years with KwikFit
How did you get started in the industry and what was your first experience like?
I had been made redundant from an investment bank, and I had 2 very small children my husband was doing really well in his career. I was put in a situation where I was thinking ‘oh I don’t know what I’m going to do next’ so I had to find something that fit around my personal circumstances and I saw the role for a customer care agent. In terms of my first experience, I loved working in call centres as it was what I had done in the past. The people that I was working with were supportive.
What was the most significant challenge you faced in breaking into or advancing within a traditionally male dominated industry and how did you overcome it?
For me it was a progress through the business and getting my voice heard. I’m quite a quiet individual and I could be in a meeting with between 20 to 100 men and there’s always 3 women in the room so it can be quite a daunting experience. When you’re going into an environment where it’s all men there and you have to speak up. I went to different people within the business to see if they could help me with that to build my confidence up, help with my presentation skills and really utilise that the experience and the people that are around me to work on that.
And what advice would you give to young women aspiring in the industry?
I think just be yourself be who you are, don’t make don’t change yourself to fit in with what other people want you to be. I think you have to work hard. You need to be passionate about what you’re doing whatever that maybe and have your say speak up. It’s always OK not to know the answer but surround yourself with people that can get you the answer that will help you with that answer. But most importantly for me, is that there will be mistakes that you make but it’s how you deal with the mistakes, it’s how you pick yourself up and move forward with it because I feel like that’s what carves you into the person that you’re going to be.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I think whilst the International Women’s Day should be about celebrating all the women that we work with, all the women that we know and the path that they’re on, it’s also about taking stock of what I’ve done as well. Thinking about all the achievements that I’ve made and recognising yourself recognising the great work that we’ve done. And throughout our journeys whether that’s been straightforward or whether we’ve had to take different paths. It’s about celebrating our own successes as well so it’s allowed me to do that and really think about the journey that I’ve been on.
Which women inspire you?
Honestly, I’m surrounded with such incredible women and they’re all amazing so from my family, my work, my social life. There’s too many to list but they’ve all got different skills and passions and personalities. And I honestly go away after the interactions with those women learning something new and they’re truly inspiring me every single day.
How do you see your future within the industry?
I want to continue to be part of the growth in this industry right now. I’m not sure what that looks like. I’ve been with in my current role for the first three years now, but I’d love to continue to move forward in the industry and in the business and develop my skills. Hopefully that will continue to happen.
Looking back, what key decisions or actions do you feel have contributed to your success?
There was one time I had backed myself into a corner and there was nowhere for me really to go within that corner. At that point, it was like a kind of key time for me where I could have just stayed in that corner and thought right, I’ll just come in and I’ll do my job and do it the way as well as I could but I decided to stand up for myself and decided that nobody was going back me into that corner. I had to make decisions until people heard my voice. They say ‘Look, I don’t want to’, ‘This is not what I want to do’. I always want to move on. I want to move on in my career. I’m really passionate about what I do and I’m determined to keep moving through that.
How has the NTDA influenced the trade, and has it played a role in your journey?
So probably not directly played a role in my journey, but for indirectly I think the NTDA plays a vital role in shaping the tyre industry. It’s promoting high standards, supporting professional development it’s advocating for beneficial policies and enforcing and collaborative business environment. So, indirectly it has shaped them and played out a part in the journey that I’ve been on.
Vanessa De Souza, Centre Manager, 12 year with KwikFit
How did you get started in the industry and what was your first experience like?
My first experience I started right at the bottom so I came in as a tyre technician, I didn’t know much. Came in straight from college and KwikFit took me on so. The experience was a bit frightening and just a different environment. But everybody was very nice. And I just cracked on with it.
What was the most significant challenge you faced in breaking into or advancing within a traditionally male dominated industry and how did you overcome it?
I’m quite forward set so I just took it as a challenge and you’re right, is that when I first came in, when I first came in it was a very male dominated industry, you know, I didn’t know what the boys would think and obviously, I was just a starter and I was learning and I wanted to learn as much as I could, but I felt that I was very highly supported and I don’t think I was treated any differently to anybody else.
And what advice would you give to young women aspiring in the industry?
I would say don’t look at it as a male dominated company. Just if you enjoy mechanics and you enjoy working on cars to just crack on with it, because the company’s very, very supportive and I’ve worked with a few ladies at Kwik Fit and they have all told me that they felt welcomed. So, I don’t think that there’s that barrier anymore.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To be completely honest, I don’t know much about it. But I feel that. It’s like a recognition of how far women have come and that we’re not afraid to take on those lead. And you know, especially with Kwik Fit. I think that they’ve supported us all the way through because like you said, it is a male dominated company. But it’s not no more, I don’t feel like it is at all.
That’s really interesting because, I mean, International Women Day is is obviously a big thing, but it’s really nice to hear that for you. It is just another day because you feel so supported at Kwik Fit.
Yeah, absolutely. I’m a centre manager and I started as a tyre fitter and I’ve had the support from managers and even though I was a tyre fitter then I went to break technician, then to service technician and with the support from the managers who just encourage me to proceed and go up and the support is huge. Some people might not think that, that you can’t grow or that because you’re a woman you won’t, step up but look where I am. Just for example, I’m a centre manager looking to become a master manager in a couple of years. But yeah, I feel that I’ve progressed and developed a lot with the company and I’ve been very grateful because they’ve developed me all. Way. The top, to be fair from the bottom to the top.
Which women inspire you?
My mum, she is now 76 years old. She is still working and she’s always said to me that in any environment it doesn’t matter who you are as long as you work hard, you will succeed, and that’s what I tend to do is I give 100%. I treat everybody equally and fairly, and I’m a centre manager now, so I look after my staff and she, you know, she’s my greatest number one hero. To be fair with you she’s taught me to be that person to just throttle through even at hard times.
What are your thoughts of the trade?
I love it. I’ve been into cars since I was about 3, my mum used to say to me ‘Why aren’t you playing with dolls?’. I was playing with cars and I was playing football. I’m Brazilian and my dad was actually in the army and he used to work on cars. And then that just became attracted to me, the industry just became attracted to me. But the industry, itself is, amazing and there’s only room to grow. So, you never know everything. It’s always you’re always learning something new.
Can I just ask out of pure interest? Is there a car peaked your interest from an early age was there that one car that you went ‘Oh, that’s the one’?
Yes, a 1964 Mustang.
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