Image: UFV / Provided / Nick Penner’s Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing class poses with their vehicle projects.

By Alyssa Conti

SHIFTING ATTITUDES

UFV automotive repair program touts nearly equal gender split

Nov 2, 2025 | 4:18 PM

CHILLIWACK — Women have traditionally been underrepresented in the trades across Canada, but one program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is showcasing a major shift in those gears.

Eight out of 17 students at the school’s latest Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing class identify as women.

“You leave with no financial burdens. When I did my schooling, I had zero debt because you earn money while you’re going to school,” explained Associate Professor Nick Penner. “You can make good money if you’re dedicated — it’s a good field to get into.”

The nine-month certificate program teaches students about sheet metal repair, custom metal work, and auto body painting.

“It’s essentially an art form, a form of expression. Just how some people paint, and some people do pottery: for us, it’s cars,” said student Breyanna Maisey.

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UFV has been promoting diverse recruitment across its programs through the annual Fraser Valley Women’s Expo, the Women Explore Trades program, and the Chilliwack Open House.

“Some people try to take advantage of women in an auto shop setting — like overcharging, over-explaining, recommending stuff that absolutely does not need to be done,” added her classmate Jay Jensen.

“That’s why I wanted to be at the service counter, just so I can say, ‘I know what you need, I know what you don’t need. I know you don’t need blinker fluid. I’ve had lots of customers say thank you for being here.”

The Quantum Properties Annual Scholarship for Women in Trades provides $1,000 for female students in male-dominated fields.

Statistics Canada data from 2022 show that women make up 8.7 percent of the trades and transport sector in B.C. – the highest percentage since records began in 1987.