There are many different kinds of students in Skyline College’s automotive program, but there are a few who immediately stand out.

They’re called the Heart Wrenchers, and they’re women working toward dismantling the current gender stereotypes in the automotive industry. Currently, women make up less than two percent of the industry, which Skyline automotive instructor Julia Johnson thinks should change.

“This is an opportunity that is completely untapped by women,” Johnson said. “It shouldn’t have to be that way. And I can’t think of a better place for them to go to school to get this information, be in a supportive environment, and be successful in the industry.”

Johnson said that experienced automotive technicians can make up to $100,000 a year, and automotive technology isn’t a profession that should be over-looked by women. With the help of the instructors in Skyline’s automotive program, Johnson felt that she could really thrive.

“I enrolled in the program here . . . and things took off like a rocket,” Johnson said. “It was just amazing because of all the support from the teachers here; everyone was behind me.”

Johnson wanted to share her experience with other women who may be intimidated by what’s under the hood of their car. She insists that before she came to Skyline, she had rarely looked in the engine bay. Her mission became to let women know that they’re equally as capable as men in the automotive industry, and a car’s inner workings aren’t as complicated as they may seem.

“I wanted to do something that would help other women understand that it’s not that hard,” Johnson said. “It’s not that mysterious, once you know what’s under the hood. I wanted to bring that knowledge to women because I know that they’re intimidated; they’re afraid to ask.”

Johnson teamed up with the Parks and Recreation departments in places like Daly City, South San Francisco and Colma to start a class specifically for women to teach them the basics about their cars. These weekend-long seminars were successful, but Johnson really wanted to get more women into the Skyline program. She began spreading the word, letting women know that Skyline, as well as the automotive industry, wants them to be involved. As women started showing up, she shifted her focus to retention within the program.

Dana Kaplan and other Heart Wrenchers members say that having this group of women really helps them stay focused and motivated. Retention of female students was once a problem for Skyline’s automotive program, but several of the women are on their way to graduating from the program. Kaplan already has a job at Pat’s Garage in San Francisco and is continuing through the program at Skyline with the support of her fellow club members.

“It’s been great,” Kaplan said. “I think we all started just wanting to have that support . . . and it’s blown up. We had a fundraiser, which was amazing, and we have all these projects going on. . . . It’s just really exciting. It really makes me feel like I can do this.”

The Heart Wrenchers had a fundraiser in February, but they also have several other things in the works. Not only do they work on projects that will benefit the club, they also organize programs to reach out to the community. Heart Wrenchers members Genevieve Saxton and Maureen Moscoso are currently working on a program they call LIPs, helping low-income people make sure they have a dependable car.

“We teamed up with the county to get the service paid for, for people who can’t afford it,” Saxton said.

Brandon Tomkovic is also working on a Girl Scout badge workshop that will take place on April 17 if all goes well.

Johnson urges women who haven’t looked into this industry at all to come take a class at Skyline.

“We have classes for every level,” says Johnson. “We can teach you as much or as little as you want to know, and it’s important. It’s like knowing how to do your taxes. . . . Everybody drives cars.”