As South Africa celebrates both Women's Month and TVET Month this August, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) believes the future of the automotive aftermarket will depend on attracting more women into the sector while creating meaningful opportunities for them to build long-term careers.

For decades, automotive workshops were seen almost exclusively as a male domain. Today that picture is changing. Across the country, women are increasingly leading businesses, mentoring apprentices, managing workshops and building successful careers in both technical and operational roles.

According to MIWA, a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), this transformation is being driven not only by changing perceptions but by employers willing to invest in skills development and create workplaces where talent can thrive, regardless of gender.

"Women's Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution women are already making to our industry, but it is equally an opportunity to encourage more young women to consider automotive as a career of choice," says MIWA National Chairperson, Dewald Ranft.

"Today's workshops require far more than traditional mechanical skills. Modern vehicles demand expertise in diagnostics, electronics, software systems and advanced technologies. We need the very best talent, and that means ensuring our industry is welcoming and accessible to everyone."

One workshop owner helping drive that change is Jenene Cronning, whose business has grown into seven Bosch Car Service workshops across Gauteng.

Looking back on her journey, Cronning believes sustainable growth has always been about investing in people.

"Building capable teams through structured training and apprenticeships has been the key to growing our business while maintaining consistently high standards," she says. "Technical training, leadership development and continuous learning are essential if workshops are going to keep pace with rapidly evolving vehicle technology."

For Cronning, developing female technicians has become a natural part of building stronger businesses.

"Women bring outstanding emotional intelligence and exceptional attention to detail," she explains. "Many excel in diagnostics, software, auto-electrical work and mechanical repairs. They complement our existing teams extremely well and will play an important role in leading the next generation of technicians."

She says customer perceptions quickly disappear once competence is demonstrated.

"When the quality of the work speaks for itself, gender simply isn't part of the conversation."

Cronning believes the industry's future will increasingly rely on advanced diagnostic capability, software expertise and hybrid and electric vehicle skills, making mentorship more important than ever.

"Mentorship builds confidence and creates clear pathways for apprentices to grow into highly skilled professionals. If we want a sustainable industry, we have to invest in developing people."

For young women entering the industry, that investment can be life changing.

Twenty-five-year-old Jody Solomons, a member of the administration team at Goch & Cooper Auto Services, a MIWA-accredited workshop in Cape Town, knows first-hand how opportunity can transform a future.

Growing up without the stability many young people enjoy, Jody faced significant personal challenges and initially failed her matric examinations. Rather than giving up, she rewrote her exams, passed and remained determined to build a better future.

"I've learnt that where you start in life doesn't have to determine where you finish," she says. "Every challenge has taught me something about perseverance, and every setback has made me stronger."

Since joining Goch & Cooper Auto Services, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, develop new skills and grow in confidence.

"I've found more than a job here," she says. "I've found people who believe in me, encourage me and celebrate my successes. They've helped me grow both personally and professionally."

Outside the workplace, Jody continues to pursue her passion for sport, having represented Western Province in gymnastics and now taking part in figure skating - experiences she says have reinforced the values of discipline, resilience and perseverance.

Looking back on her journey, she hopes other young women will believe in their own potential.

"I want young women to know that your past doesn't define your future. With determination, support and the right opportunities, you really can build the life you've always hoped for."

Ranft says stories like Jody's demonstrate that accredited workshops contribute far more than quality vehicle repairs.

"Our members are developing people as well as technical skills. They are creating workplaces where young South Africans can build careers, gain confidence and develop the expertise our industry will need for many years to come."

He believes employers also have a responsibility to challenge outdated perceptions.

"Women belong in every part of the automotive industry - from the workshop floor and diagnostic bay to business ownership and leadership. By investing in skills development and creating opportunities based on ability rather than gender, we are building a stronger, more resilient aftermarket for the future."

For MIWA, celebrating Women's Month is not simply about recognising achievements. It is about encouraging more women to enter an industry where technology, innovation and lifelong learning are creating exciting new career opportunities, and where the next generation of skilled professionals will help shape the future of mobility in South Africa.