Women overcome bias
August 25th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
WOMEN from various sectors outside the bodyshop arena have been given a crash course in paint spraying.
The event, run by Southgate College and the IMI, was aimed at showing women employment opportunities they may not have considered.
It is an attempt to overcome the gender bias in the car industry, where men almost universally outnumber women.
One trainee was Alivia Paver who is currently business development manager for the Stoneacre Group. ‘I am sure that many of us are ignorant of the dedication to detail and the skill that is required to produce the end result.
‘Talent in this area is often overlooked, but I can understand why those that carry out this role have so much job satisfaction, and pride in their work.’
The paint supplier was Morelli Group, whose Andrew Morning revealed had only seen ‘a handful of female productives’ during 20 years working for the firm.
‘Yet there is no real reason why women should not be able to do the job, as has been proven today by the ladies taking part in this challenge.’
The successful day is all part of the IMI’s Women and Work funding programme. Now in its fourth phase, the scheme is designed to encourage employers in England to take advantage of the opportunity to receive funding towards the cost of developing the skills of women in our industry.
Are you doing your bit to support the initiative?
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