HiQ takes on first female mechanic
HiQ Openshaw has announced the recruitment of a new mechanic; while this may not be the day’s biggest news story, its relevance becomes clearer when we consider that the east-Manchester branch is the first of the network’s 150 centres to recruit a woman in that position. The centre took on Dominyka Kasponyte after she approached the garage looking to further her early career working as an apprentice mechanic. Kasponyte, from Gorton, joins a team of nine men at the centre bringing with her various training qualifications including an NVQ and a national diploma. HiQ says she joins “a growing group of women who have taken on roles from centre management to directorship across the network.”
Commenting on female shoppers’ negative perceptions of the fast fit industry in early 2011 the HiQ retail network’s marketing manager, Gillian McGovern said: “We need to radically change the whole experience of buying a tyre, so it feels as trustworthy as shopping on the high street.” She also explained that the network was working to redefine the male-dominated industry with a team of female marketing specialists. The employment of its first female technician could signal another important step for the company in altering the perceptions of motorists, as well as backing up recently-distributed promotional materials that give equal prominence to both sexes.
Owner of the TyreForce NW Ltd Martin Burrows, said: “It’s great to welcome a female mechanic into the team especially as it’s the first time we have had a female apply for a role that is typically male dominated. Dominyka has all the skills we are looking for and has had a great amount of training to meet the demands of our customers and the wider motoring community.”
A recent OnePoll survey conducted by HiQ revealed that 70 per cent of women believed they received a dishonest or untrustworthy experience when visiting a garage, with 25 per cent charging the men in their lives to take the car into the garage for them.
“We know Dominyka will have a positive effect on the business especially as we work to drive standards and change the negative perceptions attributed to our industry that garages are intimidating and unwelcoming, Martin continues. “We already have a great customer base in place and I know Dominyka will help strengthen those relationships. Her reputation in the area has already brought in new customers.”
Speaking of her new role, Kasponyte, said: “I’m very excited about my new role at HiQ. The motor trade is my passion and I look forward to servicing the needs of motorists in the area.”
Related news:
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- HiQ names Basingstoke housewife as winning grid girl
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