Robyn Rivard, automotive technician apprentice, works on a vehicle during a class workshop at Lethbridge Polytechnic on March 30.

The faint smell of exhaust fumes in the air mixed with the low hums of idling engines and scattered tools set the atmosphere for the typical workshop in the automotive program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Traditionally, the automotive trades has been viewed as a male-dominated industry. But times are changing, as more women are challenging the status quo by stepping into the driver’s seat and revving up careers in the trade.

At a glance of her fuchsia pink nails, Robyn Rivard, automotive service technician apprentice, proves women can have a passion for cars while maintaining their femininity. While some women can barely change a flat tire, Rivard knew she wanted a career in automotive trades from an early age.

“I grew up watching my family members repair vehicles,” says Rivard. “It gives you a lot of confidence to work on your own vehicle as a woman because you’re often told you can’t do it.”

The polytechnic’s automotive program provides hands-on learning to build the confidence of students like Rivard, who want to pursue a career in the evolving industry. According to a research report titled Labour Force Aging and Skill Shortages in Canada and Ontario by Julie Ann McMullin et. al published in August 2004, “the supply of skilled trades workers is affected by the length of time required for an apprenticeship. The automotive industry anticipates that retirements over the next two to seven years will result in a shortfall of skilled tradespeople and that existing apprenticeship and training programs will not produce skilled workers quickly enough to counterbalance the expected retirements.”

The demand for skilled workers in the automotive trades is becoming a growing concern in Canada. According to a report titled Celebrating Labour Day: A snapshot of Canadian workers published on August 29, 2024 by Statistics Canada, “In 2021 and 2022, the demand for skilled trades workers reached record highs. Job vacancies in the occupational category of “trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations” that required at least a trades or apprenticeship credential nearly doubled from late 2019 to late 2021.”

It’s 2026 and the demand for automotive technicians is great in Canada. Based on the high demand, more women are motivated to enter skilled trades because of inclusive programs like the ones offered at the polytechnic. Dave Cole, instructor in the Crooks School of Transportation, says the program is worth the hard work.

“There is a lot of math involved like any other trade,” says Cole. “But it can be a very rewarding career if you enjoy it.”

Students get to run diagnostics and repair modern vehicles with state-of-the-art equipment to stay industry ready. They work on electric vehicles which have become more common over the last couple years. Cole says the program does a great job preparing students to begin the process of becoming journeymen and women in the minimum of eight months they spend in their program.

“A lot of the technology has changed since I started seven years ago,” says Cole. “We have to learn it to teach the students.”

The polytechnic does a great job of recruiting new students to the automotive program like many other trades through open houses. Other initiatives include “student for a day” which allows prospective students to experience life in the classroom, or in this case, workshop. That opportunity is exactly what brought Alexis Borbely to shadow Rivard. Borbely was excited to see a female working on cars firsthand. During the visit, she was guided through the demonstrations with some of the tasks students complete in the program. The experience offered a glimpse into what a future in the automotive industry could look like for her.

“I’ve always been interested in cars, but I didn’t really know what the training would involve,” says Borbely. “Being able to come here and see Robyn in action made it feel a lot more real.”

Shadowing is an impactful method the polytechnic uses to get many students interested in careers in the trades. The future of women in the trades looks bright for women who want to get their hands dirty. Locally, the polytechnic also hosts open houses where both males and females are encouraged to participate and take the next steps towards a brighter future.