TechForce Foundation announced it has released a critical new white paper addressing the role that women techs can play in solving the ongoing technician workforce shortage.

“Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage Problem” goes into detail on how the automotive, aviation, diesel, collision, motorsports and other transportation industry sectors can recruit and retain women technicians and offer professional growth opportunities throughout every phase of their careers. TechForce Foundation interviewed women technicians across multiple sectors from the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK. The interview group spanned every career stage, ranging in age from 19 years old to 60.

“Women make up more than half the population but account for less than 3% of the technician workforce,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “The women techs we spoke to are thriving, and with demand for qualified technicians across the service and maintenance sector greatly outpacing supply, there is a huge opportunity for the industry to recruit women into these important ‘new collar’ STEM careers.”

“Today’s technician role has transformed to meet the increasing complexity and advancements in automotive technology, and with that the need for qualified and diverse talent is great,” said John Roth, GM global vice president, Customer Care and Aftersales. “At GM, we are committed to being the most inclusive company in the world. We invest everyday in a culture that allows everyone to bring their whole self to work, which includes steps to support and attract more women to consider the skilled trades as an attractive career option.”

In addition to collecting and sharing the real-world experience and insights of women techs today, TechForce articulates key steps that employers can take to enhance their ongoing recruitment, retention and growth strategies.

“It’s clear that women seeking technician careers will play a vital part in the service and maintenance industry, where the need for talent at all levels is enormous,” said Dana Rapoport, TechForce’s chief consultant, DE&I. “We hope employers take full advantage of this opportunity and implement the findings in this white paper to welcome this growing pool of diverse, skilled workers eager to contribute to the technician workforce.”

“Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage Problem” can be downloaded here.