Women In The Automotive Industry

"I've recently become a mum to a beautiful little girl, and I want her to know that she can do, or be whatever she wants! I hope me being in the automotive industry shows her that"

I'm really happy to be celebrating my 4th work anniversary with RJTK Automotive!

Previously, I worked in the travel industry and found my love of sales and customer service through that. I always thought car sales was a 'man's job', but the job at Suzuki came up, and I thought, why not? Let's go for it! I knew how to talk to customers; however, I didn't even know what a locking wheel nut was! 

I love speaking to new people, especially when they remember you and want to buy their next car from you - it makes me feel like I've done a good job. I also enjoy seeing the cars I've sold driving around. I have a habit of telling whoever I'm with that "I've sold that car!" and they get fed up with me!

"It feels empowering to be a respected female working in a male-dominated environment. I love that I have learnt so much about cars, how they operate, and that every day is a school day."

I work between the Louth and Boston Kia branches and I recently passed my parts and service apprenticeship with a distinction in April of this year. I have been at RJTK for one year and eight months and am loving it!

The apprenticeship aspect inspired me as this was a brilliant way to get into the industry, learning and earning money simultaneously. One of the main things that pushed me to work here was the positive and hard-working environment of the dealership.

Something I enjoy about my current role at RJTK is being able to work on the admin side but also experience the fast-paced environment of the workshop. You always know something new! And, of course, all of my colleagues make the days brighter.

My dad and brother are car-mad, so cars have always been a theme in my household. As I got older, the automotive industry always seemed exciting and somewhere that would push me to be at my best 24/7. This inspired me to take the job as I like a challenge, which certainly fits the bill!

"I started this job at the age of 43 years old, a lady with no experience in the motor trade. But what I did have was a great work ethic!"

I've been with Wilson & Co for five years now. I was inspired to start my career when I had skin cancer in 2018. This gave me a life-changing outlook on my life! I saw an advert for a trainee salesperson for Wilson and Co Grimsby so I applied, thinking there would be no chance at the time, being in my early to mid-40s and having no experience in the motor trade. I was offered the job straight away. They said you will be great if you're honest and good with customers. I was a trainee for three months before I sold my first car, then I was let loose and was like an un-stoppable selling machine!

I love my customers; everyone is different, and I love learning about them and ensuring they experience the best from us. I take everything personally, so it's essential to do an excellent job so the customer feels happy… especially if you get a lovely review. I strive for that. 

I am currently the longest-serving sales lady on our team. I have ADHD and dyslexia so sometimes it can be challenging, especially as a neurodivergent. I also love to sing and have written a series of books about my life living with ADHD. I struggle with change, and I am trying my best with how the motor trade is rapidly changing, but the RJTK family has always supported me!

"Growing up, I was always around other women repairing or fixing vehicles. It really inspired me to start my own career in that field"

I've been at Drayton Motors for three years and still love it! I’ve always been brought up around cars and motorbikes, thanks to my family and mainly my dad, who’s the primary person to inspire me and get me involved in the motor industry. 

I’ve always been told to do what makes me happy and not to follow the crowd (for me, that’s getting stuck in and not being afraid of getting my hands dirty working on cars and bikes). That’s why I have a job that I love! I enjoy working with the great team around me and learning new things whilst at work. I’d love to see more females involved in the industry as it’s very welcoming and a great career path.