Women in Automotive Technology

Women in Automotive Technology @ Community College of Philadelphia

Women in Automotive Technology

Earn a better salary, gain confidence in yourself and care for others by fixing their cars!

Why transportation technology and why CCP?

  • CCP’s Transportation Program has a 100% job placement rate
  • Starting salaries up to $1,200 per week, Master Technicians can earn $100k+
  • You can earn while you learn, including the Toyota internship program
  • Earn a transportation technologies certificate or degree
  • Learn in CCP’s brand new, state-of-the-art Career and Advanced Technology Center
  • Scholarships and financial aid make college affordable—or free

No automotive experience required—it’s time to leave low-pay and dead-end jobs behind!

Don’t take our word for it, hear from three women working in the transportation technologies field:

Coco H.

Coco H.
Community College of Philadelphia Automotive Technology program graduate

Coco was an administrative professional in her mid-40s when she reached a turning point, “I was not experiencing job satisfaction.” A friend mentioned a female-owned auto shop in her area, and Coco thought it was worth checking out. At her interview, she was told she didn’t have enough experience in the field—but the shop recommended she look at the Community College of Philadelphia Automotive Technology program. Coco talks excitedly about the learning environment at CCP, “They were so welcoming and gave me whatever support I needed.” In addition to the classes and labs, CCP helped Coco and her fellow students find employment through events like on-campus job fairs. Coco says, “I still go to work happy every day. I’m amazed that the honeymoon isn’t over.”

Phylicia S.

Phylicia S.
Diesel Technology, SEPTA

Phylicia changed careers at age 32. Although her former job as a behavioral specialist offered steady work, she saw real possibility in auto mechanics: a way to apply her hands-on, problem-solving skills and learn something new every day. Plus it pays really well. These days Phylicia is a Mechanic General Helper for SEPTA, Philadelphia’s regional transit agency, where she has many options to advance her career—either as a mechanic, a body specialist, or an HVAC specialist. SEPTA let her test out of the first two job levels, and she’s thrilled with her rapid progress. If Phylicia goes for HVAC specialist, she’ll not only be the first woman in that role, but she can also earn $36 an hour. That’s more than she was earning after 11 years in her old job. Phylicia admits the work isn’t always easy, but solving problems and seeing how it helps people is rewarding. “I love easing people’s worries. I like to use my hands, whether it’s caretaking, doing hair or fixing cars. I feel like I have magic hands.”

Tatyana N.

Tatyana N.
Community College of Philadelphia Automotive Technology student

Tatyana bounced around between majors at CCP (Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Art and Design) before committing to the Auto Tech program. It’s an unexpected path for her, but through the auto tech program, Tatyana found a satisfying and well-paying career that will keep her growing for years to come. “I’ve met nice people,” she says. “My instructors are very supportive of me. The friend groups I’ve made are very helpful and always ready to teach you more.” At five feet tall, she worried that her size might be a disadvantage, but classmates and instructors helped her find techniques—like applying her body weight, not just using her arms—that enabled her to handle any task. ”They’ve inspired me,” Tatyana says, “and helped me to realize that I can get through it.”

Employer Testimonials

 

Meet Patrice Banks, a member of the College’s transportation technologies advisory committee, and owner of Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center in Upper Darby.

Dina Perreault

Dina Perreault
Vice President, Human Resources
Faulkner Automotive Group

“Women influence 85% of car buying decisions, buy 62% of all new cars sold annually, and there are 1.4 million more women drivers in the US than men, so why aren’t there more women auto technicians? CCP has put together an amazing program to train women for a satisfying, well-paying and in-demand career in automotive technology. As a technician, you will literally hold the keys to providing safe and reliable transportation to our neighbors. With 30 dealerships representing 22 different vehicle brands across Southeastern and Central PA, the Faulkner Automotive Group NEEDS you: and we are ready to hire.”

Grace Kuka

Grace Kuka
Welding Instructor Certified Welding Instructor/Certified Welding Educator
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Repairing vehicles and equipment is rewarding work. As a woman, learning a trade which permits you to use your hands, mind, and creativity to solve problems is a noble pursuit, and a worthy vocation. At SEPTA we offer tradeswomen incredible opportunities, and we wholly support you as you advance along your career path. The first stop on your career journey begins with a good foundation of skills. You can acquire those skills at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) Career and Technical Center. Their Heavy Truck and Automotive programs offer women hands-on training. At CCP, you can build your confidence as you work towards graduation. As a partner, CCP offers you a direct line to SEPTA for available job opportunities. As a woman, we value your contribution to the transportation industry, and support your endeavors. Come join our team as a proud woman technician and take your career to new heights!

Check Out These Women Under the Hood

Brittany Grande
From Nurse to Automotive Technicia

Chiquita Downs
Automotive Technician

Dee Ramirez
Automotive Technician

Alexandrea Burgos
Diesel Technician

Women in Automotive Technology Online Communities and Scholarships

 

Female Mechanics Alliance
Private Facebook Membership Group with more than 3,000 members. "Welcome! We all know we're out there, but not many of us have even met another female mechanic. This group focuses our awesome female prowess into one spot where we can share, network and encourage; heavy on the encourage. By the way, not just cars! Trains, planes, motorcycles, diesel, marine, heavy equipment, industrial maintenance, helicopters, bicycles – you name it, we're fixing it.""

Join on Facebook | Join on Instagram

Female Mechanics Society
Private Facebook group for female mechanics, or females interested in getting into the trade. “Our goal is to connect women in the industry, discuss work, share tips and have a little fun at the same time!” More than 6,000 members.

Join on Facebook

Women of Color Automotive Network
Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN) was founded by four successful women in automotive who seek to attract, connect and empower women of color in the automotive industry.

Join on Instagram | Join on Facebook

Scholarships for Automotive Trades

Includes scholarships for women in automotive technology scholarships.

Women in Auto Care

Every year, Women in Auto Care awards multiple scholarships for high school and post-secondary female students that are looking at a career in the auto care industry.

Contact Information

 

Program information:

Richard Saxton
Department Chair, Transportation Technologies
rsaxton@ccp.edu
267-563-8157

Registration assistance:

Diego Pinguil
CTE Recruiter
dpinguil@ccp.edu
215-516-3788

Copyright © 2023 National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science