Whether doing hands-on apprentice work or keeping things ticking in the management offices, the women of Winclo are crucial to its success.

The panel beating and spray painting company has two primary branches at Imbonini Park and in KwaDukuza and a dynamic team keeps them both running like a good car should.

Although the motoring industry has historically been male-dominated, women are increasingly entering the workforce in apprentice roles. That is certainly the case at Winclo, where two of four apprentice positions at the Imbonini Park branch are filled by women – Slindile Ngwenya in panel beating and Zanele Mbatha in spray painting.

“We are an equal opportunity employer, but I feel that extends beyond gender, race and culture,” said Winclo owner, Brett Winter.

“True equal opportunity means creating a pathway for all jobs to be filled by anyone with the right training.”

Winter places a premium on taking in untrained staff and offering them a chance to change their life.

“New staff start in the wash bay and then progress from there if their work ethic and temperament aligns with company values,” he said.

“Slindile, for example, excelled in the wash bay and other interim roles before being promoted to panel beating apprentice. That individual growth is a huge part of what we try to offer.”

Brett is able to take a bigger picture look at employment as the company remains family run after first opening in Stanger in 1968. Despite offers of partnership, Brett has chosen to continue the family legacy started by his parents Ken and Beryl Anne. The KwaDukuza branch remains 90% owned by Beryl Anne and is run by long-time employee Maggie Moodley, who first joined in 1997.

“I learnt everything I know from the Winter family and after working with them for so long, I feel like an extended part of it,” said Moodley.

“Mr Winter (Ken) always had the patience to teach and that is a crucial part of apprenticeship work.”

Moodley admits it has not always been an easy field to work in as a woman.

“People initially think that I don’t know what I am talking about, but because I started at the bottom, I know every part of the process,” she said.

“Having that knowledge has been crucial for my confidence and for managing the branch.”

Winclo offer a wide range of panel beating and spray painting options and excellent service to boot. You can find them at Factory 2, 1 Kestrel Lane, Imbonini Park or Factory Lane, KwaDukuza. Call 032 551 2277 or email brettw@winclo.co.za to find out more.

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