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L'Automobile
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YWITT (Young Women in Trades and Technologies x Fix Network Canada)
L'Automobile
Hits: 295
Event Recap:
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Location: Fix Network Training Centre, Calgary
Host: Jeff Francis – Fix Network Technical Trainer for Western Canada
Notable Media Coverage:
CBC Calgary – News feature transcript
Global TV
Overview:
For the second year, CAREERS x Fix Network hosted an empowering event at the Fix Network Training Centre in Calgary, focused on introducing young women to the trades and technologies industry. Led by Jeff Francis, thirteen high school students, with no prior experience in autobody work, were invited to participate in a panel painting project. The event featured engaging activities and inspiring female speakers in the automotive repair industry.
Note: A few participants from last year’s event are currently working in some of our shops in western Canada
Jeff Francis (Fix Network Western Canada Technical Trainer) Notes:
The day was full of success stories. As an instructor, you strive to educate and bring about change in people's lives, often by imparting knowledge that makes them more efficient and effective in their daily routines. However, this YWITT event was different. Thirteen young women walked into our training center last Friday eager to learn about our industry. While we achieved that goal, we also witnessed incredible transformations. Strangers became friends, nervousness turned into confidence, and work became enjoyable.
One young woman in particular (*Berlyn McKay) amazed us all, including her parents. Her day began with introversion and shyness, uncertain if she even wanted to be there. By the day's end, she accepted an invitation to be interviewed by CBC about her experience and even spoke about her daily challenges. It was truly remarkable
The coaching and mentoring from the Careers staff and our keynote speakers, Cecile Bukmeier and Nell Wheeler-Mislang, had a tremendous impact on the girls. Rob Bearchell from Axalta also provided constant support and coaching, boosting the confidence of these young women. It was a high-energy day that demonstrated to them they have a place in our industry.
Everyone emerged victorious that day.
Partner Support:
We have much support from supplier partners - Axalta, Rob Bearchell, Mel Cole, and Nell Wheeler Mislang, along with Rob Bois from 3M, Donny Hall from SATA and our famous friend from NAIT, Cecile Bukmeier, who Chairs the Collision Repair department in Edmonton.
Speakers:
Nell Wheller-Mislang – Axalta
Cecile Bukmeier-Chair of the Auto Body program at NAIT
*Berlyn McKay, now 15, has been racing since she was 11. Last year, she accomplished 27 podium finishes out of 28 races. She is the only female in her racing category. In 2025, she is set to be participating in over 75 races. Fix Auto Airdrie supported last year as a sponsor for Berlyn, and in 2025, Fix Network is enhancing this partnership alongside vendor partners AkzoNobel and 3M, who will be working with Fix Network Western Canada Technical Trainer, Jeff Francis, to do a complete overhaul on the car. Fix Network Western Canada RVP, Chris Peterson, will also be paying for her new racing suit.
CAREERS is a unique, industry-led public/private not-for-profit foundation established in 1997. It brings together industry, schools, government, and communities to guide youth into successful career paths. Together, with their school partners, they are motivating students by making the workplace an extension of the classroom, preparing them for a future where they are in-demand!
L'Automobile
