Walk into most repair shops between Sarasota and Bradenton and you’ll see a familiar scene: a crew of men under the lifts. Federal data from February 2026 backs that up, showing just 1.8% of mechanics in the U.S. are women. Meanwhile, the industry expects roughly 70,000 auto repair openings by 2034 as older technicians retire. That gap has schools, shops, and industry groups working to bring more women into the trade.
The pipeline is already building. UEI trains students in automotive labs, and according to campus leadership, shops call the school looking to hire before students even graduate. National organizations like Women in Automotive offer mentorship and help women connect with others already working in the field. Samantha Aiken, who trained as a technician and now serves as a service manager at a Midas in Las Vegas, says her customer-first approach sets her apart. “I relate to the customers. I’m honest with them,” she says. “I put myself in their shoes because I was them at one point.”
For Suncoast listeners thinking about a career shift, whether you’re retiring from one field or just exploring, the message here is that this trade has room. It can lead to management, service advising, or even motorsports. Aiken’s advice to women considering it: “Just go for it. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.” Curious what the demand looks like locally? Stop by a neighborhood shop and start the conversation.
Would you consider a career in the trades, or know someone who should? Tell us in the comments.
