KUALA LUMPUR: With the number of women drivers set to outnumber men, British professional body for the motor industry the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is urging automotive companies to employ more women or risk losing business.
In a statement today, IMI said a survey conducted by them in Britain showed that 96 per cent of women drivers want to see more women in car workshops.
IMI South-East Asia senior manager Matthew Stuart said this phenomenon is not unique in Britain but in every part of the world.
"As the number of women drivers increases, it is important that automotive companies understand this development and have in place the right people and methods to effectively engage this growing customer base," he added.
Meanwhile, General Manager of Tekat Automotive Academy (also known as Auto Terminal Training Sdn Bhd) Prasanna Vanugopal said there is a general misconception that technician training is meant more for men, which explains the heavy gender imbalance in the academys student base.
However, in recent years we have been seeing a gradual mindset change and more young women are showing keen interest in automotive training," he added. The academy has more than 500 students, and since 2005 has certified 787 candidates with IMIs international automotive qualifications.
The IMI offers over 300 technical and non-technical qualifications and accreditations across 600 training partners in more than 13 countries around the world.
In Malaysia, an average of 1,500 candidates are trained per year at partnering community colleges, automotive companies and education bodies.
