For decades, the standard image of a motor mechanic has been a male-dominated one. But walk into the workshops at North London Garages Group Training Association (NLG GTA) today, and you’ll see that the landscape is shifting.
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Garage Matters is shining a light on a major milestone for the trade: the progress of NLG GTA’s first-ever all-female motor mechanic apprenticeship cohort.
Launched in November 2025, this pioneering group consists of eight female apprentices who are currently rewriting the script for the next generation of technicians.
Far from being a token gesture, the group’s progress has been described as “exemplary,” with the apprentices gaining hands-on experience across a massive range of the sector from Transport for London (TfL) and major dealer networks to local independent garages.
The apprentices are not just learning how to spin spanners; they are mastering the complex technical knowledge and diagnostic confidence required for the modern, high-tech workshop.
One of the most encouraging shifts noted by the NLG team is the change in employer attitudes. The outdated stereotypes that once made interviews a hurdle for female candidates are beginning to vanish.
In fact, the tide has turned: NLG reports that employers across the industry are now actively requesting female apprentices.
These businesses are recognising that a diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives, meticulous attention to detail, and the high-level problem-solving skills the industry desperately needs to combat the current skills shortage.
Want to diversify your workshop?
If you are an employer looking to take on an apprentice or a woman looking to start a career in the trade, you can reach the North London Garages team directly:
📞 020 8805 6967 📧 recruitment@nlggta.co.uk
