Talking shop with auto trades grad Sarah Jin

 

When Sarah Jin started VCC's Automotive Service Technician (AST) program in 2013, she didn't even know how to open the hood of a car. At the time, Sarah had simply noticed her university-educated friends were struggling to find work, so she decided to try automotive repair. "I figured fixing cars would be good to know, even if I didn't go into the trade," she says.

By the end of VCC's eight-month introductory program, Sarah's hard work and study skills had propelled her to the top of her class and she was offered an apprenticeship at VCC instructor Mike Coard's own business, L&S Toy Shop.

Four years later, Sarah has earned her full trade ticket and is now the shop manager, dealing with everything from customer service to payroll, as well as doing repairs. "She's good. She's really good," says Mike. "I'd give her the shop today if she wanted it."

Sarah brushes off the praise. While not currently interested in becoming a business owner, she also knows she could do it. "I'm at a loss when I'm not working," she says. "It's nice to go home and be able to say ‘I did that.'"

Thus far in her career, Sarah says she has felt nothing but respect and support in this male-dominated field. She's aware that there are still unwelcoming workplaces out there, and is grateful to have found her place in the VCC family tree. "I'd definitely like to see more women in the trade," says Sarah. "More shops like this would be nice."

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Read more about transportation trades at VCC

• RBC supports Transportation Trades Sampler program at VCC
• Online learning takes apprenticeships to the next level
• Meet Experience VCC tuition winner Brian Chan
• Women’s work: meet the new generation in automotive trades