Girls in Gear

Girls in Gear was created from a simple idea. I recognised that the automotive industry remains heavily male dominated. Girls that I have had on programmes in the past have been very successful, so this inspired me to get more girls involved. I wanted to create an environment where girls could experience the industry without feeling intimidated. My hope was that by running a girls only programme, more young women would have the confidence to give it a go and discover that they are more than capable of succeeding in the automotive and engineering industries.

The programme was designed for Year 9 to Year 11 students, with the aim of inspiring them to progress onto our full-time automotive courses or apprenticeships and helping to build a stronger pipeline of female talent into the industry. Our amazing schools team went out and promoted this course around local schools over a short 5-week period. 

Seeing Girls in Gear come to life has been a real highlight for me. This is something I have wanted to do for quite some time. Over the past seven weeks, it has been a privilege to train a group of young women and support their development in knowledge, technical skills and, more importantly, confidence and belief in themselves. Tasks that initially felt daunting quickly became second nature, and that transformation has been brilliant to witness.

Delivered over seven weeks here at Taunton College, the course brought together female learners aged 14–16. It gave them the chance to try something new, build practical skills, and explore careers in the automotive industry. The aim was clear. Build confidence, break down barriers, and show that the sector is open to everyone. Each learner was provided a Girls in Gear T-Shirt at the start of the course and were proud to take them away at the end. 

From the start, students worked in a real workshop environment. They used tools, handled equipment, and learned how things work in practice. Over time, they developed skills in vehicle servicing, steering and suspension, electrical diagnostics, and engine strip and rebuild.

Taunton College

At first, some tasks felt unfamiliar. However, confidence quickly grew. Students supported each other, asked questions, and became more comfortable taking on new challenges. As a result, their teamwork and problem-solving skills improved week by week.

Halfords played an important role throughout the programme. Two female representatives spent time with the group, delivering careers talks and sharing real experiences from the industry. This helped students understand apprenticeship routes and what working in automotive can look like.

I also had support from one of our technicians Zoe Godfrey who supported me with the practical sessions of the course, which again showed these young girls what they can achieve in the automotive industry. 

Because of this, learners could clearly see their next steps. The connection between college and employer made the experience more real and more relevant.

Only around 4% of automotive apprentices in the UK are female, and that statistic has always driven me to want to make a difference. This course has shown exactly what's possible when you give young people the right environment, support and encouragement.

Watching the learners grow in confidence each week has been incredibly rewarding. The only two learners allegeable this year to apply for a course are already progressing towards apprenticeship opportunities, while every other participant has been offered work experience within the industry. 

The success of this group proves that the future of the automotive industry can and should be far more diverse. This is just the beginning.

Darren Winn

The response has exceeded all expectations and has generated significant interest from adult learners who have expressed a desire to develop practical automotive skills in the same supportive environment. As a result, we will be launching our first adult Girls in Gear programme in September 2026, followed by another programme for 14 to 16-year-old girls in October 2026.

I hope Girls in Gear continues to inspire more young women to realise there is a place for them in the automotive industry and encourages many more to take their first step towards an exciting and rewarding career. With having more time to promote the course for the next academic year I believe this will become huge for females and Taunton College.

For more stories on the opportunities available in the automotive sector, please visit There's More To Motor.