2022 “Women in the Automotive Industry” Event

Women account for nearly half of the Canadian labour force, yet they only make up about seven percent of the workforce in the automotive industry. At the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA), we recognize the powerful impact that women make on our industry. With the growing labour shortages, women are also seen as a potentially untapped talent pool to fill vacant positions.

Now, more than ever, women are needed to help drive the automotive sector forward and inspire the change and progressive thinking needed to sustain the industry. To help women overcome some of the barriers to join the industry, such as a lack of exposure to the trades, misunderstandings of what trades jobs entail, or a lack of mentorship programs, the ARA, through its AutoCareersBC program, is excited to be hosting the second annual event, Women in the Automotive Industry, on May 5, 2022.

The goal of this event is to encourage and inspire females to join the automotive industry by showcasing the vast opportunities it offers them. The theme is See the Opportunity, Seize the Opportunity. We want females to see the countless positions and roles available for them in this diverse industry and seize them.

The event will take place in the Element Vancouver Metrotown hotel in Burnaby. The evening will start with a networking cocktail hour where all attendees will have the opportunity to engage and mingle, followed by a panel session of guest speakers talking about the challenges the industry is facing. Those looking to enter the industry will get a chance to meet with industry professionals to discuss what the industry might offer.

Even though the event is primarily dedicated to females interested in the automotive industry and looking for a career change, everyone who is keen on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce within the automotive industry is welcome to attend! Business owners and industry stakeholders are encouraged to join and share their career advice and real-life experiences with those starting in the industry.

Guest Speakers

Cassidy Mceown

Cassidy was born in Okanagan, raised in Enderby, B.C. Cassidy comes from a family of mechanics. The exposure to fixing cars at a young age fueled her passion for collision repair and restoration. She went to A.L. Fortune Secondary School and started her path through the dual credit program at Vancouver Community College, before continuing her studies of auto collision repair program at the Okanagan College. Cassidy also undertook an apprenticeship at Vernon Collision and is currently working with Fix Auto, when not filming the TV show Rust Valley Restorers.

Cassidy is one of the ladies of the Rust Valley crew and she seems quite pleased to have made it there. After four years on the show, she is mainly metal fabrication and bodywork, but also dabs in painting. She is not afraid of defying social expectations, instead, she goes hard after her passion. She has a wealth of knowledge about cars and the automotive industry. Cassidy is s strong believer you should never turn down a good opportunity and continue to chase your dreams.

Murray Voth, president of RPM Training

Being one of Canada’s most knowledgeable experts on the independent automotive service and repair sector, Murray focuses on improving profitability, best practices in management, financial management, systems implementation, human resources, and leadership. Murray has owned and operated automotive maintenance and repair facilities for 20 years. For the past 15 years, he has been dedicated to automotive shop management training and coaching, as well as consulting in leadership, strategic planning, and results management for small businesses.

Mentorship Program

During the event, we will be introducing a mentorship program designed to increase the number of women working in the automotive industry while assisting them with sustainable career development. The goal of the mentorship program will be to connect women with industry leaders who will offer support and advice while encouraging them to develop skills that can help them succeed in their role. The program will be discussed further during the event, but we do accept preliminarily signups upon registration.

REGISTER

Event Sponsors

A big thank you to our generous sponsors supporting this event!

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE