Isabel Torres breaks stereotypes at Astilleros de Mallorca
Isabel Torres breaks stereotypes at Astilleros de Mallorca
There are many women working at Astilleros de Mallorca, around twenty; naval engineers as project managers, law graduates in Human Resources, instructors in the production area, and many others in administration, occupational safety, environment, reception, accounting… However, in the more physical jobs there were no women, until now.
Isabel Torres has come to break stereotypes and has joined the mechanics workshop. Isa, as she likes to be called, is doing her internship in a workshop where more than forty men have been working for decades. She studied to be a Technician in Maintenance and Control of Marine Machinery—that is, a marine mechanic. Born in Mallorca, she trained for two years at the Nautical and Fishing Vocational Training School, where she learned electricity, electronics, hydraulics, engines, as well as other subjects specific to maritime professionals, such as survival or firefighting equipment.
Why did you decide to study marine mechanics?
— The sea has always been part of my life and, logically, this was the training course that attracted me most from the start. I grew up among men, although I had never had the opportunity to work with engines and machines before. Besides, I never minded getting my hands dirty.
Why are you doing your internship at Astilleros de Mallorca?
— It’s one of the best places to complete my training. Here, any part of the vessel is repaired, from electricity to mechanics, hydraulics, shafts or propellers.
What does the internship consist of?
— Expanding and getting hands-on experience with everything I studied over the past two years. Also, this is the step prior to entering the professional world in the sector.
How do you feel working among dozens of men?
— It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Working with men, from my point of view, is much better than working only with women. Being opposite sexes, they complement each other better, and without a doubt we learn from one another.
Do you think your male colleagues treat you differently because you’re a woman?
— Not at all! From the first day I’ve been treated as one more, with the same tasks. Obviously my strength is not the same, but they are considerate with me: if I can’t do something, they help me—but always after I’ve tried first.
What do you like most about your work?
— Every day I learn so many things, and they never hesitate to explain what I don’t know. Also, we work with great precision, and always take the right measures to avoid unforeseen problems. I would like to study the higher degree in maritime transport and deep-sea fishing, but if that’s not possible, I would continue with marine mechanics: I love it.