Survival-Kit Vocational Training  “As a woman you have to give 120 per cent”

Lisa-Marie is doing an apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer for commercial vehicles. In our “Survival Kit” column she tells us how she holds her own in a profession that’s very male-dominated, and why she feels totally at ease in her workshop despite that.

 
The biggest cliché about your apprenticeship – and what’s true about it:

The biggest cliché was people saying “She’s only a woman – she won’t manage that.” That’s the classic attitude towards women in a professional environment. You have to prove yourself in your job even more than men do. Another thing they often say is “You can’t lift that, let me do it.” As a woman you’re at a disadvantage in physical terms, but you just have to be clever and know how to get yourself out of a fix.

What’s your normal daily routine?

I drive to work, then I take a moment to get changed, and then I clock in. Next we wait outside to receive our allocated jobs, either together with the qualified workers or things we can do on our own. We repair a lot, we diagnose faults and we also get many vehicles from the factory. They are usually HGVs, with a bus from time to time. Then, shortly before home time, we tidy up our workspace. Cleanliness is very important to us.
We generally work in shifts, there’s an early and a late shift.

What could you not have done without in your apprenticeship?

I wouldn’t want to be without the atmosphere at our work. It’s just different to working with women. I feel as though working with men is less stressful, but maybe I’m just more that type of person.

Which day of your apprenticeship will you never forget?

Actually I’d have to say it was the first day at my workshop.  Before that I was at a different firm and I didn’t fit in as well there. Then when I moved to my current workshop I was just thrilled that I would now be able to learn my trade and that I would have fun doing that.
 
What would you do differently if you could start your apprenticeship all over again?

I think I’m the kind of person who’s easily influenced. You just have to ignore the prejudices people have about you. If there’s something new, it’s always a subject of conversation for a couple of weeks, but after that it quietens down again. That’s why I learned to ignore the banter and just do my thing. You have to prove yourself in this male domain, it’s that simple.

What was the biggest challenge?

The fact that I had to overcome physical limits as well. I do a lot of sport – you can’t make something out of nothing! Sure, I can’t lift 70 or 80 kilo weights, but I do a lot of fitness training so it’s nice when that’s recognised.

Was there a steady source of comfort for you to turn to?

My dad. He learned the same trade as me. We’ve got our own repair shop at home. My father is my greatest role model – he always gives me reassurance and helps me if there’s a problem. He always encourages me, and he’s always there for me.

What do you do to switch off and enjoy some “me” time?

My mum and I have four horses. I go riding a lot, and I also do eventing.
My boyfriend and I work in the same industry and we can always have really god discussions and give each other tips. At the weekend we like to go to truck rallies, where drivers meet up and look at trucks, chat to one another and talk shop. We’ve got a big truck at home too, for transporting the horses to competitions.
You do have to be able to leave your work at work. It’s really important to switch off.

What did you eat when you were running low on funds?

Garlic noodles. Noodles are my absolute favourite. I tend not to spend much on myself, but I invest a lot in my four-legged friends.

What are you proud of?

I’m proud that I can live my life as I wish. And that I’m healthy.

What’s your takeaway so far for the future?

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t let people put you down. If someone makes a stupid comment at work, you just have to learn to deal with it. That’s important, because if you always take a huff at the slightest thing then you won’t get very far. I’ve developed a thick skin now and I can fight my corner. As a woman you’ve got to give 120 per cent instead of 100 per cent. But at my workshop I’ve become known for my quick wit too.

Were there moments when you’d rather have gone to university or done something else?

There’s a dual study programme, I think. But I always preferred the idea of working to sitting in school. I felt like that right from 7th grade! My goal is to take over my parents’ business at some point. I’m already really looking forward to it.
I also don’t have a problem with working every day. Either you like doing your thing, or you don’t!