When Kelly Campbell decided to take the Automotive Technician program at University College of the North (UCN), it wasn’t because she was a lifelong car enthusiast.
“I think that every person should know about vehicles,” she said with a laugh. “Are we going to have someone there to change a tire? What if you’re just by yourself?”
For Kelly, the decision was about independence and self-reliance—qualities she’s embraced in the program. Kelly took a break from high school but determined to finish, she returned to complete her diploma in 2023. She said she loves the applied aspect of the Automotive Technician program.
“I don’t think I could be sitting at a desk all day, you know.”
Her instructor, Riley Wlasichuk, says there’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
“We’re not spending a lot of time in a classroom looking at pictures. There’s nothing better than having the real thing in your hands in the shop to discuss and demonstrate,” Wlasichuk said.
UCN recently added an electric vehicle (EV) to its learning lab. Campbell’s classmate, Kayden Buchannon, admits that it will be an adjustment.
“It’s kind of weird to be honest. Everything’s just one big piece,” Buchannon said.
The students have been working on internal combustion engines and the EV represents uncharted territory.
“Students today don’t have the option to avoid learning about new technology,” Wlasichuk explains. “This technology is a reality if they’re going into the field. I encourage them to embrace it. They’re going to be working on it.”
With harsh northern Manitoba winter conditions and limited infrastructure, students are gaining firsthand insight into the realities of maintaining and operating EVs in remote communities. The program is gathering field data comparing EV and gas vehicles. This research will help students and instructors understand the efficiency and sustainability of EV technology in the North.
Wlasichuk acknowledges the skepticism that often surrounds EVs in the region.
“If you’d asked five or ten years ago if someone could drive a fully electric vehicle from here to Flin Flon and back, they’d have been amazed. Expectations evolve with technology,” he said.
UCN’s investment in the EV represents its commitment to students and the community by providing a path forward. “There’s always new technology,” Wlasichuk says, “If you’re the kind of person excited about new things, this field shows there’s so much new technology, and it takes a variety of skill sets.”
This program teaches more than just technical skills. UCN students are building confidence, learning to work collaboratively, and preparing for a future where adaptability is key.
“Communication skills,” Kelly says when asked about what she’s gained. “You need to learn how to get out of your little bubble and talk to people because you’re working with people, hands-on.”
Kelly says the journey has been transformative. “I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did,” she reflects. “I love coming to school here—good environment, good people. Like, we all just got along fast. You never really know what you’re gonna like until you try, right?”
Kelly’s story is about taking chances and figuring things out along the way. She has embraced the unknown by returning to school and stepping into the automotive trade. Each decision has brought her new skills, confidence, and opportunities. The same independence that led Kelly to learn about cars is now helping her carve out a future in the field.