Female mechanic claims sexism

Rushika deserves a chance to show her skills. That is why the 90 day employment trial was passed. Our economy has very few jobs available for those that are qualified and capable, but need the entry - intermediate roles to gain more practical acknowledgment in the industry. Many job ads request 2 - 3 years experience and offers little chance for someone that is capable but doesn't have the exact practical requirements requested. Any good training will provide someone with the right capabilities. It is the employer that has no faith in the education system anymore and what they can provide. Employers and the government need to work together to make opportunities available for graduates. More recent graduates will just give up when they face difficulties like this and head off to Aussie or elsewhere. Employers are getting fussy over the type of education and experience someone has, as well as and all sorts of other reason, and including those that are discriminatory. Many New Zealand employers need to get used to people working for them that have a different english accent. If she has the qualifications and the right to work here, then give her a 90 day trial to show what she can do.

I hate it when people call it "a race card" as if you're hiding your ethnicity up your sleeve ready to hold it against anyone and everyone who gets in your way. I hear racist remarks everyday prefaced with the magical "I'm not racist but" and I don't find it hard to believe that it exists in this industry too. A lot of the comments here back up the fact that sexism is obviously a big issue in this male dominated industry where people should be free to listen to the rock and tell offensive jokes and not pay out maternity leave for people who "obviously want big families". Good Luck Rushika!

Hey #102, You don't know how much hands-on experience she has already got! And how are people supposed to get more work experience? (Answer:by working). Even your mythical surgeon has to start somewhere,she might even be from overseas. You actually won't get that much choice of surgeons when you're rushed to hopsital in an emergency. And I can't tell from the photo if Rushika is a weightlifter or not, but I would guess that if she cannot lift a gearbox she would not be applying for jobs to do it!

a female mechanic works on my car, as long as they do a good job and are quick I don't care- why would I?

Just give the women a job - if she cant perform..fire her. You cant judge a person because of gender or race. Mechanical work requires technique, along with strength so she may cope. Also a female mechanic would relate well to other female drivers and car owners.

Setting aside the content of the article for a minute, some of the comments here sadly reflect the racism that immigrants in New Zealand have to deal with all the time. What makes it worse is that it's blatant, but the people spouting these views call it 'realism' or have some other patronising justification for their prejudice. What's wrong with speaking up? Oh right, everyone should just be grateful to be here, shut their mouths and quietly go about the business of scrubbing toilets and driving cabs, even if they are university educated. White, middle-class, middle-aged ignorance, and its inability to accept that the world is constantly changing, is just an embarrassment.

I guess i know how she feel, i to am in the same predicament. i am a kiwi chick that has just qualified in Level 4 Heavy Diesel (3 Years) and completed around 700 hours through work experience (not payed) and still cannot be accepted within the industry. Now don't get me wrong...its not as if i just woke up one day thinking haha "im going to work in the automotive industry" its been a passion for many years. i too have lost count of the jobs that i have applied for :( in most cases most employers that im "taking the piss" when asking for a job or even more unpaid work experience. just the other day (in passing) i was told that i was a distraction for the other employers/boys within the company. i personally don't think this artical is about racism but definitely a case sexism and besides the whole Tyre things if employees are lifting too heavy equipment/parts im sure OSH and ACC would love to hear about it

Good Luck Rushika in your travels in the automotive industry hopefully its better then mine :(

Racism! Sexism! I suspect it is more a case of not many jobs and many qualified and EXPERIENCED applicants. Before everyone gets too riteous about this situation we maybe need someone in the motor industry to give us the exact definitions of "Automotive Engineering", "Service Advisor" and "Mechanic" (or Technician). I suspect that all are slightly different and the article suggests to me that this woman is applying for a job as a technician when her experience and training are in closely related but different fields.

When given the choice, any employer will choose the applicant with the proven track record. Qualifications on paper and possible related experience in another country are better than nothing when there are no other applicants to consider but there isn't a shortage of experienced technicians out there - just ask a mechanic mate of mine who was made redundant and had to change careers due to the lack of jobs and large number of qualified and experienced applicants...... and yes HE was white and a Kiwi.

Having said that, I really do symapthise with this woman and she sounds like she is willing to go the hard yards and do the time, she just needs someone with an opening that will suit her qualifications and experience.

Just another example of someone not getting their own way so of course it must be racially or gender motivated, has nothing to do with lack of real experience and potentially more experienced or qualified applicants applying. If she was truly that keen on staying in NZ, one would've thought she would've taken any job regardless of field and worked her way to what she wanted from there.

At comment #102 - you cant say that she looks 'waify' by a picture. She's leaning over an engine bay, what did you expect from one picture?

I don't have the 'paperwork' that this woman has but I have been doing the work as a 'backyard' mechanic for years.

She is willing to do work experience! She may only be sweeping floors and doing oil changes for the first 6 months but for now thats enough for her and her family to stay. And if she proves herself then they will keep her on.