- Diesel mechanic expectations
- Challenges of being a female diesel mechanic
- How to succeed as a female diesel mechanic
According to Women in Trucking, women make up less than 10 percent of the diesel mechanic industry. The diesel mechanic industry has long been dominated by men, but times are slowly changing.
Slowly but surely, more women are entering the field, proving their skills, and making a name for themselves. But you may be wondering what it's really like to be a female diesel mechanic.
As a female diesel mechanic myself, I’ll give you an inside look. I’m currently pursuing a degree in diesel mechanics and partaking in the college internship offered through Anderson Trucking Service (ATS). I already have a degree as an automotive technician, but I prefer working on diesel engines.
This article will explore the challenges women may face in the diesel mechanic position, how to succeed in the role, and what to expect on the job.
What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?
Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain diesel engines found in trucks, buses, and heavy machinery. It’s a hands-on, physically demanding job that requires technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing engine and system issues
- Performing routine maintenance
- Replacing worn-out parts
- Using diagnostic tools and software
- Working with customers to explain repairs
Diesel mechanics work in repair shops, trucking companies, and fleet maintenance facilities. Some roles involve fieldwork and travel. Hours vary, but shifts may include nights and weekends, depending on the employer.
Challenges Women May Face as Diesel Mechanics
As women in what many consider a non-traditional field for us, we encounter unique challenges. Here are some key obstacles and how they impact female mechanics:
Skepticism and Bias
Because being any sort of mechanic is considered non-traditional for women, there’s skepticism toward whether we can handle the job — if we’re strong enough, handy enough, etc.
Some women may find they have to prove their skills more than their male counterparts. While people automatically assume men are good at the job, women might have to prove themselves. Customers, coworkers, and even employers may assume women lack the necessary expertise they need to excel in the role.
However, it really just comes down to whether or not you can perform the procedure set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). No one is really paying attention to who performed the work, as long as it’s done correctly and the equipment gets fixed.
Physical Demands
The job involves lifting heavy parts, working in awkward positions, and handling tools designed for larger hands. While this certainly isn’t the case for all men and women, experts generally agree that the body strength of women is less than that of their male counterparts.
The physical demands of the job, therefore, may be easier for men than women.
While strength is an advantage, proper technique and leveraging available equipment can help mitigate physical strain — so women can definitely still succeed in the role!
Finding Proper Gear
A lot of tools, uniforms, and safety gear are designed with men in mind, or they’re in a unisex size.
As a woman, it can be difficult to find well-fitting gloves, boots, and work uniforms. If you can’t find something that fits right, it can make comfort and safety a challenge.
If you find that this is a problem for you, simply talk to your shop. Ask for what you need. Proper safety equipment should be readily available to everyone; you may just have to ask for it if your size isn’t widely popular.
For example, some men may wear gloves in 3X, and some women may need them in extra small. Your shop might not have those already, but they can get them if you ask.
Limited Representation
With less than 10 percent of the diesel mechanic workforce being women, it can be tough to find a female mentor. If you specifically want a female mentor — they can, after all, relate intimately to your experience as a woman on the job — it can be difficult to find one in your shop.
Without role models or support networks, it can be challenging to navigate career growth and workplace dynamics.
It’s important to note that some women prefer this field because they enjoy working with men in this environment, and that’s okay too. So, whether you have a female mentor or not, just make sure that whoever it is gives you the support you need while respecting the work you’re doing.
Workplace Culture and Harassment
Being the only woman in a shop can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Some women have faced inappropriate comments, exclusion from certain tasks, or even harassment.
If this is happening to you, it’s not okay. Thankfully, most of this behavior has left shops. However, if you find that this is your experience, know that you can find a much better, healthier environment at another shop.
Being tough, knowing how to embody your confidence and stand up for yourself, and letting things roll off your back will help you excel — as will having a supportive team in the workplace.
How to Succeed as a Female Diesel Mechanic
Despite the challenges, many women — including me! — thrive in this field. Here are strategies to help you succeed:
Master Your Skills
One of the best ways to gain respect on the job is to be skilled at your work. The more knowledge you have, the more confidence you'll inspire in yourself (and others).
Take advantage of ongoing learning. Especially in the program offered at the ATS shop, you’ll continue to be taught and learn the skills you need as you go.
Keep learning, ask questions, and stay up to date with industry advancements. Be confident in what you’re doing, but ask for support when you need it.
Some people find it tempting to continuously ask for help, even when they don’t need it. That’s true for any job, not just diesel mechanics. But if you keep asking for help instead of trying to problem-solve on your own, you can be doing yourself more harm than good.
Others can lose confidence in your ability. If you’re a woman doing this in the shop, some men won’t want to help you anymore.
Use the Right Tools and Techniques
You might see a coworker throwing their weight around, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing. Remember when I said that men, in general, are shown to have more physical strength than women? Keep that in mind!
It can be tempting to throw your weight around and prove your physical strength, but know your boundaries.
Leverage technology and mechanical aids to reduce physical strain. There are tools designed to help with heavy lifting, and learning proper body mechanics can prevent injuries.
Ask for help when you need it. No one will praise you when you throw out your back because you were trying to prove yourself.
The job can very much require a team effort for certain tasks. Often, the shop is set up so someone is in the bay right next to you. They can always lend a helping hand.
Advocate for Yourself
Speak up if you face unfair treatment or harassment. If you’re just being friendly and it’s taken as something more, it’s more than okay to set your boundaries and maintain a professional relationship.
Be confident in the work you’re doing and make sure your contributions are recognized. You know what you’re doing, and as long as you love the work, you should be able to continue it.
Confidence and professionalism go a long way in earning respect.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Men — Break Stereotypes
Don’t compare yourself to men. You are you. You may have a different set of skills or a different way of looking at things — and that’s a good thing. It makes you an asset on the team.
Every woman in this field is paving the way for future generations. By excelling in your role, you help challenge outdated stereotypes and show that skill and dedication matter more than gender.
Apply at ATS
Being a female diesel mechanic comes with challenges, but it’s also a rewarding career with growing opportunities. By building expertise, finding support, and advocating for themselves, women like us can thrive in this field and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Maybe you like figuring out how to put things back together. Maybe, like me, you have a husband who asks you to watch him fix cars, and it sparks your interest in mechanics.
If so, go for it! If you’re considering a career as a diesel mechanic, don’t let traditional norms hold you back. Your skills and determination can take you far.
Whether you have experience in diesel or automotive mechanics or you’re just getting started, ATS has a place for you. We offer a variety of internship programs to give you real-world experience while you’re earning your degree. We’ll also train you to tackle the job if you haven’t gone to school for it. The program is a great way to get into a rewarding field.
Review our positions and apply now.
