Finding New Opportunities: Jessica Love’s Journey Into the Trades
After several years in retail in Sault Ste. Marie, Jessica Love felt the urge to pursue a different career path.
Struggling in a cycle of minimum-wage jobs that offered limited chances for growth or personal development, Love made a spontaneous decision — as she described it — to explore the trades.
With no prior experience in the automotive field, she enrolled in the Women in the Auto Industry pre-trades program at Sault College. This program highlights key areas like women’s involvement in trades, Indigenous participation, and various mechanical and automotive pathways.
“I was in need of a significant change, both in life and career,” Love shared with Northern Ontario Business. “So, I thought, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ and decided to dive in headfirst.”
This choice turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made. Her two sons, Aiden, 17, and Xavier, 11, were particularly excited about their mom’s new venture into the automotive realm, a field they both had a passion for.
“Cars are what they love, and they were thrilled that their mom would be working with them,” Love noted. “My family, including my mom and siblings, were incredibly supportive too.”
A Non-Traditional Pathway
While it may not be the conventional career choice for a mother of two, Love emphasized that this industry goes beyond just wrenches and oil changes.
“There’s so much more to this field than I initially thought,” she stated. “When I first joined the college, I assumed it was only about mechanics and salespeople, but I quickly learned how wrong I was.”
A Supportive Classroom Environment
Jessica felt embraced from the very start in her classes, where she connected with a close-knit group of other women studying alongside her.
“I believe we were all a bit anxious, but our teachers — all male — were exceptionally kind, encouraging us to stand our ground,” she explained, referencing the perceptions that sometimes surround women entering the trades sector.
During her condensed program, the instructors introduced a diverse range of topics. Love also observed a noticeable shift regarding the acceptance of women in trades.
“People have become increasingly open-minded compared to the past,” she said. “There’s a rising recognition of diversity in trades, making it more welcoming for everyone.”
Practical Experience with Local Businesses
After the classroom experience, Love gained practical knowledge at Lakeway Truck Centre, where she engaged in various tasks, including creating work orders and managing parts supply.
Nearly a year post-graduation from Sault College, she was introduced to Kerry McMillan, managing partner of Prouse Motors, through a staff recommendation.
Embracing a New Opportunity
Feeling the nerves of her first job interview in years, Love faced her potential employers with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
“Kerry asked me what I wanted to pursue within the industry,” Love recalled. “I shared my enthusiasm for everything I had learned and expressed my desire to work at Prouse.”
She recounted her bold leap into the field and her enjoyment ever since. Almost immediately, McMillan extended her a job offer.
“I began my journey at Prouse as a receptionist, which was an incredible experience because I interacted directly with customers and dealt with work orders,” Love said.
Climbing the Ranks
Her enthusiasm and skills shone through to her new employers, resulting in a swift advancement to her current position as an internal service advisor.
“I handle the work orders for salespeople to ensure that cars are safely maintained and that they get what they need,” she explained.
This role also entails coordinating vehicle pre-delivery inspections (PDI) and motor vehicle inspections (MVI), ensuring every detail, including tinting and custom windows, is perfected before cars leave the lot.
“I jumped in without knowing if I would succeed or fail, and I’ve learned so much and grown immensely,” she reflected.
Prouse Motors has felt like a second family to her since her arrival.
“At other places, I might have been seen as someone who wouldn’t last long,” Love admitted. “There can be a tendency to judge women in trades. But at Prouse, it was the opposite; their support was uplifting, fostering a team environment.”
Encouraging Others to Take the Leap
Love now encourages anyone dissatisfied with their careers to adopt her motto of “jumping in with both feet” into new challenges.
“We often confine ourselves to familiar boundaries, afraid to explore new avenues,” she expressed. “I’m incredibly grateful for my decision, as it has opened a new world of opportunities.”
Her journey of growth doesn’t end here; she aspires to one day transition into a sales position at Prouse Motors.
“The commissions would certainly be a nice perk,” she chuckled, “but it’s really about experiencing the industry fully and helping individuals find their dream vehicles.”
Words of Wisdom for Women Considering Change
Jessica advises women contemplating a career shift to remember that life is short.
“If I hadn’t made this change, I think I would have continued holding myself back,” she said. “I would have missed my true potential, constantly wondering about the ‘What Ifs?’”
