Here is an Exclusive feature on our Lady Mechanic, Nwaebiem Ogechi Esther

Women are gradually taking the centre stage in the mostly male dominated profession and Weststar is not left out in supporting this move especially with the creation of an enabling work environment to accommodate the realization of such dreams. There are thousands of male mechanics in Nigeria with women in the minority, this reveals that only women with guts are ready to get into the nitty-gritty of the profession. One of such is Esther - our very own Lady-Mechanic.

‘Esther Nwaebiem’ is the Lady-Mechanic in the Commercial Vehicles Workshop at Weststar Associates Limited, she has worked as an auto mechanic at Weststar since June, 2016. Esther describes her experience with Mercedes-Benz as one that has made her even more professional in her field, thanks to the constant trainings and exposure she has been getting on the job.

One of Esther’s best moments on the job was the day she began working on vehicles, especially commercial vehicles and trucks in the workshop. She describes it as a very enjoyable experience which now and on many occasions amazes customers and onlookers; “They always ask me why I like working on trucks and other commercial vehicles? I think it’s something that amazes and excites customers that come here seeing a woman doing things they believe is naturally meant for men.”

Emphasizing that her driving force is the passion and dedication she puts into knowing and operating these trucks, Esther could not but also mention the worst experience that reminded her of her gender, being the day she had an injury on her left finger while working on a vehicle. It was an unforgettable moment for her because of the pain she had to go through and this also meant she had to be out of the workshop for some time. “Thanks to the Health and Safety policies in place at Weststar and the general concern shown to me during the difficult time”. Esther has since fully recovered and is back to doing what she loves the most - working on trucks!

Esther has also enjoyed working in a very warm atmosphere being a female mechanic at the workshop. She describes the men she works with as very good; “We have established a cordial and calm relationship on the job, they are also very helpful and assist me whenever I need help. This makes me feel like I am a part of a family”. Esther feels that getting this opportunity to work as a technician at Weststar has helped her inspire other women who only dream of venturing into this field, she has a word of advice for other women in the auto mechanic field and others who are aspiring; “My advice to other lady mechanics is that you ensure to apply safety precautions at all times while at the workshop and that you put in your best efforts to achieve your goals.”

Esther’s favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the M-Class now GLE, this is because it is an SUV and it runs on road and off road.