Discovering a passion for working on cars

Trinity LaRose credits the Women in Trades Training (WITT) program at Vancouver Island University with kick-starting her interest in a career as an automotive service technician. The 12-week sampler program offers students the chance to experience to try all the different trades programs VIU offers and find out what they like the most.

“I ended up really loving the automotive environment and what it offered,” says Trinity. “It got me the most excited.”

Trinity just finished the 10-month Automotive Service Technician program. To help her with her studies, she also applied for and received funding to help her through the WITT program. Here’s what Trinity says about her experience, the program and her time at VIU.

Tell us about the Automotive Service Technician program at VIU.

We gain shop exposure and learn about the shop environment. We also learn about general vehicle service, drive train, break servicing, some electrical work and suspension. I started last September and finished in June. It’s a 10-month program.

Why did you choose to study at VIU?

My first exposure to VIU was through the Women in Trades program, which is a 12-week sampler program of all the trades offered. I ended up really loving the automotive environment and what it offered. It got me the most excited.

What do you hope to do for a career?

I hope to continue my schooling and eventually get my Red Seal. If I pass my Skills BC (formerly known as Industry Training Authority) test, I will work towards my Level 2 as an apprentice. I plan to continue my studies and finish all my levels to level 4 and write my Red Seal exam.

How did you find out about the Women in Trades Training program?

My stepmom saw the program and said I should apply. I recommend this program to all women. It gives you easy access, it’s informative and it’s a great program to go through. I felt very supported. I was given $5,500 for tuition and books. This was a great support financially.

How has accessing this set of tools given you more confidence entering a new work force?

Once finishing the first part of the program, to keep going you have to apprentice in a local business. Depending on where you are going it is good to have your own set of tools. The total amount for a tool kit like that is a little over $3,000. I sent an email asking for additional financial support and received $2,000 to buy the tools needed to start my apprenticeship. This kind of ongoing financial support considers what I need after the instructional component ends to succeed in the workplace.

How can VIU advocate for students like you in the future?

I think the more it is talked about and known, the more students would apply. If my stepmom hadn’t found out about this on the VIU website, I never would have known this existed. I think VIU needs to do more information sessions at the local high schools and on social media in general.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I honestly want to thank the donors who give to a fund like this. I wouldn’t be here without the financial support and the educational support that I have received. Knowing a fund is out there for me to apply to feels like I have a chance to succeed and someone is there to help me get there.