Automotive Service Technician grad puts her skills to work

In high school, a career in trades was the farthest thing from Zabrina Peters’ mind.

But five years later, much to her surprise, she’s a certified Automotive Service Technician working for Tim’s Automotive in Nanaimo.

“I love working with vehicles,” she says. “It’s a great career and I’m good at it.”

Peters was among 250 graduates from Vancouver Island University’s Trades and Applied Technology programs celebrating their achievements at the Port Theatre Friday.

With her parents and other family members cheering her on, this spunky 22-year-old received her hard-earned certificate from VIU’s 10-month Automotive Service Technician program. Peters also received the NAPA Autoparts Most Improved Student Award valued at $250.

“Zabrina was quite green when she started the program,” said instructor Dean Cadieux. “She knew nothing about the automotive industry. Through sheer determination and hard work, she excelled. She’s a great all-round student and I am confident she will enjoy a long, lucractive career in the automotive industry.”

When Peters graduated from John Barsby Secondary in 2005, she had “no idea” what she wanted to do in life. She lived briefly in Mexico and Vancouver before returning to Nanaimo to figure out her future.

“I browsed around the VIU website and found the Automotive Service Technician program,” she said. “I hadn’t even put gas in my own car, but something about the program caught my eye. I talked to a counselor and signed up.”

Peters almost walked out of class on the first day. It was intimidating not knowing anything about cars, and being one of only five women in the program. But she persevered, studied hard and learned as much as possible from the supportive faculty.

On average about five females a year sign up for the Automotive Technician program, which runs two classes of 36 students.

“The industry has changed,” said Cadieux. “The days of being a grease monkey are gone. Today’s automotive service industry is more about computer diagnostics, and not so much about mechanical repairs. Women seem to have a knack for it. They’re good at being trouble-shooters who logically figure out problems.”

Last week, Peters wrote a provincial exam to qualify for her first-year apprenticeship. If successful, she’s hoping her employer will take her on as a second-year apprentice. If that happens, she could complete Red Seal requirements within three years.

What does her family think about her new career? “My mom was leery at first,” says Peters. “She told me I’m too pretty to be greasy all the time. I don’t get that greasy – just my hands and face. Now she thinks this is a good career.”

VIU President Ralph Nilson said he’s proud of Peters and all 250 graduates from Trades and Applied Technology programs.

“Trades programs have been at the core of VIU’s values and traditions dating back to 1936,” Nilson said. “They will continue to be an integral part of the education and training we provide.”

Recently published BC Labour Market Outlook confirms that demand will remain high for trades workers particularly on Vancouver Island. The forecast is for more than one million job openings over the next decade in British Columbia. Nearly 70 per cent of those job openings are expected to require some post-secondary or a higher level of education and training.