Protyre News
Inspiring mechanics of the future
By Steph Savill
The enthusiastic 7 year old Mia Hoskings was told that she couldn’t be a mechanic and banger racer like her dad because she was a girl. In response to the statement her father David Hoskings, a banger racer and mechanic, turned to the internet to seek out female inspiration in the motorsport industry.
Words of encouragement flooded in from female mechanics and drivers across the country and the story was picked up by The Plymouth Herald who wanted to help organise a taster day for Mia at a local garage.
Mia was invited to visit Protyre Plymouth on Saturday 21st April and be given a special tour. She was greeted by centre manager Gary Patrick (pictured below) and two of Protyre’s own female mechanics Nikki Ham – centre manager for Protyre Faringdon (pictured left) and Hannah Shaw – tyre fitter for Elmbridge Tyres – Team Protyre (pictured right).
Mia was also gifted with her own set of overalls and some special Formula1 gifts courtesy of Pirelli and tickets to a round oif the upcoming BTCC Thruxton courtesy of Goodyear Dunlop.
David Hoskings, a great believer in ‘girl power’ told The Plymouth Herald "She really enjoyed the day, seeing how the garage works and how other women are excelling in these roles. I’d like to say a big thank you to Protyre and MyCarNeedsA.com for making this happen”
Scott Hamilton from MyCarNeedsA.com said: “It’s wonderful that she is so enthusiastic and passionate about the career she wants, so inviting her for a tour with one of our service providers was just a small token of our support. We hope that Mia’s story inspires lots of girls across the country to dream big and pursue a career in the automotive industry.”
Hannah Shaw, who travelled to meet Mia, said: “‘I got into tyre fitting by chance. I have always been a hands-on person that loves to work outside. I have worked as a farmer all my life alongside my family. The job for a tyre fitter came up and I thought ‘why not? I enjoy physical work so I’ll give it a try! Four years on I absolutely love it! I never dreamed I’d become a tyre fitter. I understand the stigma and pressure attached to women entering this field of work, but I’ve never looked back"
