by Theresa Jachnycky, business director, Gateway Autobody; written on behalf of the Automotive Trades Association (ATA) of Manitoba
On October 4, 2024, the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba (ATA) held its annual trade show, featuring a high school component as well as the Collision Olympics. Building on the success of last year’s event, the goal was to attract more interest from youth. An earlier start in promoting the youth component by reaching out to high schools resulted in a three-fold increase in student attendees. This year, 365 students and teachers from across Manitoba attended the trade show.
The support and enthusiasm from sponsors and vendors significantly contributed to the success of both the student component and the trade show overall. Teacher Greg Oliver remarked, “There are lots of vendors out, lots of different vendors. There’s tooling, there’s materials, all sorts of things.”
The novelty of a career fair at the trade show garnered excellent publicity for both the ATA and the industry. Featured stories in local news and in the business section of the Winnipeg Free Press helped reach new audiences and created opportunities for spokespeople like Denis Cloutier, who offered fresh and exciting perspectives of the industry while dispelling old stereotypes about the lack of well-paying and attractive jobs.
The evening segment of the trade show, tailored for industry professionals, once again attracted remarkable interest and attendance from businesses across the sector. This year we saw a notable increase in both the number and diversity of attendees compared to previous years. It was an excellent opportunity for networking, reconnecting with old friends, and making new connections. “The ATA has really nailed this,” remarked one attendee.
The first anniversary of the Collision Olympics welcomed both new faces and returning competitors. Teams from Eastside Collision secured first and third places, while St. Claude Autobody took second.
The event is designed to foster industry excellence and community engagement. Teams consist of an estimator, a collision repair technician, and a refinishing technician, all working together to score the highest points. The competition not only highlights technical skills but also promotes teamwork, collaboration, and personal growth among participants.
The Collision Olympics provides a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to showcase their skills, network with peers, and enjoy some friendly competition. When asked about their experience, many participants admitted to initial nervousness that quickly dissipated once they began their events. Above all, they found the competition to be fun and self-affirming.