On March 21, 2025, CAREERS and Fix Network hosted Young Women In Trades & Technology (YWITT) workshop at Fix Network’s Calgary Training Centre.

Led by Jeff Francis, Fix Network’s Technical Trainer for Western Canada, the event featured 13 female students with no prior auto body experience, take part in a panel painting project. 

Full process

During the course of the day, they learned everything about the process, from utilizing the right equipment to correct panel prep, to painting and airbrushing with stencils. Additionally, there were several guest speakers present who gave some inspirational speeches during the event. Berlyn McKay, a 15-year-old student and accomplished mini car race driver, amazed the attendees with her incredible accomplishments on the track since she started at age 11. In 2024 she achieved podium finishes in 27 of the 28 rounds during the season and is currently the only female racing in her series. Last year Fix Auto Airdrie signed on as a sponsor for McKay and in 2025 that sponsorship has grown to include Fix Network, AkzoNobel and 3M Automotive Refinish 

Cecile Bukmeier, Chair of the Auto Body program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), made the trip down from Edmonton and provided the opportunity to coach the students. Also attending was Nell Wheeler-Mislang and Rob Bearchell from Axalta Coating Systems.

Incredible transformations

In summarizing the day, Jeff Francis said: “[This event was full] of success stories. As an instructor, you strive to educate and bring about change in people’s lives, often by imparting knowledge that makes them more efficient and effective in their daily routines. However, this YWITT event was different. Thirteen young women walked into our training center on March 21, eager to learn about our industry. While we achieved that goal, we also witnessed incredible transformations. Strangers became friends, nervousness turned into confidence, and work became enjoyable.”

Francis added that, “one young woman in particular (Berlin McKay), amazed us all, including her parents. Her day began with introversion and shyness, uncertain if she even wanted to be there. By the day’s end, she accepted an invitation to be interviewed by CBC about her experience and even spoke about her daily challenges. It was truly remarkable.”

Tremendous impact

Francis also noted that the coaching and mentoring from the CAREERS staff and keynote speakers, Cecile Bukmeier and Nell Wheeler-Mislang, “had a tremendous impact on the girls. Rob Bearchell from Axalta also provided constant support and coaching, boosting the confidence of these young women. It was a high-energy day that demonstrated to them they have a place in our industry. On this day, everybody emerged victorious.”

CAREERS is a unique, industry-led public/private not-for-profit foundation established in 1997. It brings together industry, schools, government, and communities to guide youth into successful career paths. Together, with their school partners, CAREERS continues to motivate students by making the workplace an extension of the classroom, preparing them for a future where they are in-demand.