MADDIE CUNNINGHAM

Maddie Cunningham’s auto body career has been marked by milestones, from graduating from an apprenticeship program at the top of her class to using her earnings to purchase a home.

A stand-out technician and ambassador of apprentices and women in trades at Fix Auto Sherwood Park, Maddie has been described as “a true face of the auto body industry” and “a role model for the next generation entering the trade.” Maddie was nominated for 30 Under 40 by her colleague, Scott Koughan, the owner of Fix Auto Sherwood Park and Fix Auto Sherwood North. Collision Repair magazine spoke with Maddie to learn about her journey as an auto body technician.

From a young age, Maddie’s attention to detail and love of working with her hands inspired her to pursue collision repair work. After realizing she could make a career out of the industry, she began working as a detailer and led the parts department before going to school to become a technician. After graduating, Maddie was an educator in the Fix Auto Sherwood Park apprenticeship education program and taught more than five technicians—including two women—to become Journeyperson Auto Body Technicians. In addition, she taught Journeypeople how best to train and educate young people entering the trade, an achievement Scott said is “fundamental in the future of the trade and Fix Auto Sherwood Park’s success.”

For Maddie, repairing and reversing vehicle damage to pre- accident condition is what keeps her excited about coming to work and makes each job a new challenge. She credits the management team at Fix Auto Sherwood Park for instilling confidence in her through the positive feedback and support they provided during her apprenticeship.

In attending many registered apprenticeship program speaker sessions, Maddie “highlights the value of the industry and importance of an Auto Body Technician’s career,” noted Scott in his endorsement of Maddie’s natural leadership abilities and her success in breaking down the traditional barriers in the trades.

As a female technician who completed an apprenticeship program, Maddie recognizes the challenges of smaller apprenticeship class sizes and the lack of female technicians in the industry. That’s why she’s committed to showing students what’s possible by sharing her story and career goals when speaking at schools. Maddie’s eagerness to learn keeps her ahead of the curve, and through Fix Auto, she has had the opportunity to attend welding, glue pulling and aluminum repair courses.

But the knowledge doesn’t stop with Maddie, who hopes to shape the apprentices of the future. “The collision repair industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by changes in vehicle technology, consumer expectations, sustainability and longevity goals,” said Maddie. “I see great opportunities in learning these new technologies to be able to teach the younger generation what I’ve learnt throughout my career.”

Maddie’s curiosity and innovation are qualities Scott hopes other professionals can learn from. “Maddie shows how powerful it is to lead with authenticity and passion,” he said. “She’s a reminder that talent thrives when it’s supported by drive, mentorship and a commitment to excellence.”

“Maddie shows how powerful it is to lead with authenticity and passion. She’s a reminder that talent thrives when it’s supported by drive, mentorship and a commitment to excellence.” - NOMINATED BY SCOTT KOUGHAN, COLLEAGUE