Raine’s Road to Success
Today, Oct. 11, is International Day of the Girl, and we’re celebrating young women in skilled trades
At just 17, she is already on the road to success. Raine Prime always liked cars, but she never thought a mere interest could turn into the career she was looking for.
Her interest was piqued during a presentation at her high school, Islands Consolidated in Freeport, Digby Co., on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s summer youth apprenticeship program, in partnership with the Automotive Sector Council and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The TestDrive initiative provides youth an opportunity to work in a variety of trades in the motive power sector, and helps them build careers for themselves in Nova Scotia.
Raine applied and secured a co-operative education apprenticeship position with Brinton’s Auto Salvage in Smith’s Cove, Digby Co., where she discovered her love of auto body work.
“This has created opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to create on my own,” says Raine. “Working at Brinton’s has given me the opportunity to discover what part of the auto sector I want to go into.”
It can be difficult deciding what route to take when making the shift from the classroom to career.
Women are under-represented in trades and technology workplaces in Nova Scotia, but Raine isn’t intimidated by her decision to pursue a career in an industry that is primarily male-dominated.
“I enjoy everything about the work I’m doing. If I could give advice to young girls, it would be this: if you want to do it, you can do it.”
Described as a shining example of girl empowerment, Raine’s determination, drive and passion for her work isn’t going unnoticed; all of which are contributing to her continued success.
Before Raine even completed her co-op placement, she was registered as a youth apprentice at Brinton’s, where her hours and work experience contribute towards completing her apprenticeship and obtaining a certification of qualification bearing the Red Seal.
Raine has applied to the Motor Vehicle and Collision Repair pre-apprenticeship program offered by the NSCC, where she hopes to expand her knowledge base and follow her passion.
Brinton’s Auto Salvage knows a valuable employee when they see one. They have offered Raine a position to continue her apprenticeship after completing her course, which she has eagerly accepted.
