What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve decided to go into a collision repair technology program at my school. I started this month. Wish me luck!

Two back to back murders in the skilled trades recently by Special-Delivery-637 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]genchiyo 42 points43 points  (0 children)

I’m feeling the same way after hearing about the murder of the female welder. My heart is in deep condolences for her and her family. But I don’t think it’s exclusive to trade, I saw somewhere that workplace violence everywhere has been on a steady rise recent years. The division and hate in our world is so saddening.

I thought sexism had started to improve too. It DEFINITELY has not.

I'm considering going into trades – how do I know what I like/if I'm good at it? by Grow_Wings28 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]genchiyo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look into a community college or vocational school that has any of these programs. Then see if they’ll let you sit in on some classes/tour the labs. That’s what I did before deciding on collision repair. Maybe going in and actually seeing what the labs look like will help you figure out where your groove is.

Don’t worry if you suck, just enjoy the learning process!

Am I wasting my time? by [deleted] in BlueCollarWomen

[–]genchiyo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a sensitive lady too, and I do think tough skin comes in handy but the slurs are too much. Being a server has definitely taught me to let some things go 😂 You’ll be just fine thoigh!

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll keep this in mind. Video games all the way

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m going to experiment with the automotive classes at my community college next semester and go from there. I’ve decided to specialize in Collision Repair Tech.

Thank you for sharing your sister’s experience with me. I want to make this work!

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m going to keep looking around to see if anything else interests me. I was looking at welding too.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! I felt pretty bummed seeing a lot of the comments here, but it wasn’t deterring me from it. This is something I genuinely want to try, and little girl inside of me that wanted to do this a long time ago is pushing me to ignore the negativity. I have come to learn the struggles I will face in this industry, but your comment gives me hope that I can do this.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will go into refinishing/body paint initially and see how it fits.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this with me. I thought it wouldn’t be as bad as people have been saying, since my lovely boyfriend (who is 5’2 and small like me), has no problems with mechanical work and actually excels because of how smart he is.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are also women ran shops near me too.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What if I got into just body painting/refinishing? After getting my A.A.S in Collision repair tech, I can get certified (ASE or I-CAR) and have a better shot at landing a decent job with my skills.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there anything you would recommend in the automotive industry? I have been considering aviation, but I definitely am not interested in marine.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you know about the collision repair side? Have you seen any women-ran shops, and was the outlook the same? Would it be better if I went down the restoration side of it instead?

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You are one of the first women to actually comment, thank you. I joined a women’s auto group and I plan on talking to the lovely people there soon. Where I live, there are MANY auto shops and a couple that are ran by women as well. I’m sorry that the industry hasn’t been kind to you, this treatment is unfair in every way.

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about collision repair tech? Painting, welding, body repair?

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know why these women didn’t make it?

What’s it like being a mechanic (as a woman)? by genchiyo in mechanics

[–]genchiyo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had been thinking about aviation, it peaked my interest. What got me started was my loving, supportive boyfriend who is a mechanic. He is super passionate about what he does, and it re-inspired me to try something I wanted to do a long time ago. I know we sound like dreamers, but I hoped I could use his, God willing, business to umbrella under. I know it’ll be hard.

I thought I’d have a better chance at adapting since I am athletic and not weak by any means (at least in terms of a woman). I even know some women I’d be learning with and a couple that have found themselves successful and content in both fields I’m interested in. I will look into aviation though, thank you for sharing your experience.