From Apprentice to Advocate: Rachel Hutchison’s Journey Inspiring the Next Generation in Automotive
Fourteen years ago, Rachel Hutchison, Inspiro Assessor Coach, began her career as an apprentice in her dad’s garage, at a time when women were still a rarity in the motor industry. From the outset, the challenges were clear. Something as simple as finding safety boots and workwear that fit proved difficult, while the physical demands of the role tested her resilience daily. Attending college one day a week brought its own hurdles, where she found herself the only woman in the group, surrounded by male peers; the challenges were real from day one.
Yet those early challenges did not deter her; they shaped her. With the unwavering support of her family and a determination to prove to herself that she belonged, Rachel’s confidence and capability steadily grew. What began as a daunting step into a male-dominated environment became the foundation of a successful and fulfilling career.
Today, Rachel is an Assessor Coach supporting apprentices at the Volvo Car UK (VCUK) Training & Development Centre in Daventry. In her role, she is passionate about empowering more women to enter the automotive sector without feeling pressure to change who they are to fit in. She is a strong advocate for greater inclusivity and awareness across the industry, particularly when it comes to mental health and creating safe, supportive workshop environments.
Reflecting on her journey, Rachel shares:
“Inclusivity, awareness, and creating safe, supportive workshop environments, especially around mental health, are so important for the future of our industry. If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female apprentices, it would be this: never give up on your dreams. There will be setbacks, but confidence in your ability and staying true to yourself is everything. Keep going, keep learning, and most importantly, continue being you.”
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