Earlier this May, Saskatoon-based collision repair facility ACX Venture hosted its second annual Girls in Autobody event, bringing together students, educators, technicians and mentors for an evening focused on introducing young women to careers in collision repair.
The event was designed to address ongoing labour shortages while exposing more young women to opportunities within the skilled trades. It opened with a virtual keynote presentation from industry advocate Sharon Ashley, who discussed building a career in the autobody sector and navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Allison Zerr, program head for Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, outlined educational pathways and mentorship opportunities available to women pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Cassidy Reimer, journeyman technician at ACX Kavia, spoke about her progression from apprentice to certified technician, while Scott Kucharyshen, autobody instructor at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, provided an overview of the school’s four-year autobody training program.
Following the presentations, attendees participated in hands-on demonstrations supported by 3M, DCC Hail, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and ACX Venture staff, including seam sealer application, paintless dent repair, virtual paint simulations and demonstrations involving advanced 3D measuring systems.
According to a company official, the event gave attendees an opportunity not only to learn about the industry, but to experience the work firsthand and envision themselves in autobody careers.
ACX Venture, formerly SMP Collision Centre, operates at 715 Circle Drive East in Saskatoon as part of the national ACX collision repair network, formerly known as AutoCanada Collision Centres. Sponsors included 3M, BASF, NAPA, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Enterprise and Mac Tools.
