From page 38 tecr option that has not yet open- ed up completely. Of the obstacles and risks involved, Cumming says: ‘*That’s OK. I take chances. Ima gambler.”’ Pat Sproston, department head of the Automotives Program, sees these female siudents as pioneers of a sort. ‘“‘They’re trendsetters,”’ he says. ‘“‘It takes women like them to sect the pace for others, and then it becomes easier for those who follow.”” raditional thinking might beg the question, why would women want to do this for a living in the first place? Could they even han- dle the rigors of the job? Both in- structors and students are quick to shoot down the myths. Friday, January 31, 1992 - North Shore News - 37 AUTOMOTIVE Male attitudes only obstacle women face “There's no physical reason why women can't do the job,” says Ford. His female students agree: While the labor aspect of the work is challenging, it certain- ly isn’t prohibitive. ‘‘In fact,” says Ford, ‘tin certain aspects — sanding, masking, prepping — they're often better than the guys.”’ : The instructors say that, if any- thing, the women bring more to the job. ‘‘They’re more en- tnusiastic than the guys,"’ says Sproston. ‘‘} think they feel they have to try harder.’’ Cumming agrees that it takes extra effort on their part to over- come the stigma. There is also the traditional sexism that haunts automotive shops, the crude lan- Photo submitted VANCOUVER COMMUNITY Coliege automotive student Denise Cumming uses a sander to do some body work. V-6, Air Conditioning 1992 GMC | FULL SIZE 4X4 PICK-UP_/AFT™ Automatic, V-8 gag Bed liner guage and foul jokes that some deem synonymous with an en- vironment of revving cars and racy calendars. “Sure, they bug me and tease me," says Jores of her male counterparts, ‘‘and they can get crude. But I thought it would be worse. I’m surprised. Actually, they're a lot of fun to work with,’”’ “St isn’t a problem,’ says Cumming. ‘‘They treat me fairly. Taey tease me at times, saying this is a man’s trade, but it’s all in fun.”* Jones certainly isn't in this sim- ply for enjoyment. She is also a single mother, with a 12-year-old daughter and a_ three-year-old son. Says Jones: ‘‘My daughter thinks it’s pretty neat. She’s been around it all her life, too, so she’s used to it.”” And what if she were to pursue her own automiotive ca- reer some day? ‘‘She’s more into computers,”’ laughs Jones, ‘‘but if she wanted to, sure.”” For the Castaneda sisters, the auto trade is a rare area of oppor- tunity for immigrants looking to find a place in the Canadian work force. Their family came to Canada from Colombia about two years ago, and they are still trying to master a new language. The — automotive trades allow them to avoid some of the language limitations other jobs may pres- ent. “The job is good for new peo- ple from different countries,’’ says 28-year-old Marta. ‘‘English for me is difficult. Here there’s Jess for me to speak."’ “Only the language is hard,’’ echoes her 22-year-old sister Christina. For her, a career in automotives is an option that didn’t exist in Colombia. “Never,” says Marta. ‘‘in) my country, always the man.”’ It would seem the only real obstacle these women face is one of attitude. The program at Van- couver Community College enjoys a job placement rate of close to 90% for graduating students. Still, Cumming senses that sexual discrimination is alive and well in many body shops, and that employers are ‘‘set in their ways."” Jones and the Castanedas are currently continuing in the automotive repair program Meanwhile, Cumming has joined the ranks of professional automotive workers and has land- ed a job. We'll have to see.’’ Says Jones: “Except for the male attitudes, I don’t see why not."' {t is a demanding and rewarding career. The pay is good ~~ wages start at between $8 and 312 an hour and go as high as $20 an hour. But will it prove to be a successful career move for these, and other, women? Says Cumm- ing: “I don’t really know yet. Vancouver Community College is a multi-campus institution of- fering educational programs to over 50,000 registrants a year. I Do you drive a furel- “injected GM Vehicle? § for better performance. & fuel economy - 1 \Check and clean the throttle body and the air cleaner elenient and | electronically check the injection Jj system. Readjust the base idle speed if | ; necessary. All parts replaced will be . / genuine GM Parts. “The Expert Chaite”..: ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT Off related parts with this ad. 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