GFL gives Taylor Bocsik the tools for success

As a second-year apprentice technician in GFL’s Victoria, British Columbia, Truck and Transport division repair shop, Taylor Bocsik has faced a steep learning curve. She credits her colleagues with providing ongoing support that’s helped her learn a new trade and build confidence in her abilities.

“When I first started, the team was very supportive of me and helped me every way they could,” Bocsik said. “One of my colleagues essentially gave me his toolbox, so I didn’t have to ask everybody for tools.”

Even though Bocsik’s dad used to have a shop of his own and is now an automotive instructor at Camosun College in Victoria, she never considered following in his footsteps. She spent five years working in retail until she was ready for a change and enrolled in Camosun College’s Women in Trades program in 2023.

During the three-month program, Bocsik was introduced to a variety of trades, including carpentry, electrical, and mechanics.

“I was never super interested in mechanics until I did the Women in Trades program and then I realized it was cool to be able to fix your own vehicle,” Bocsik said. “But it was when we did the heavy duty portion and I drove an excavator that I realized this is it.”

Bocsik did her work experience at GFL and that led to her being hired almost two years ago. When she first started, she worked mainly on servicing the vehicles, which she still does, but she’s also learned how to do a variety of repairs.

“Recently, I finished replacing an engine harness on one of our trucks,” Bocsik said. “What I do changes every day.”

Bocsik has her level 1 ticket and will be returning to college for second-year studies in September. It takes four years of schooling altogether to complete her Red Seal designation. In between her studies at Camosun College, she will continue to gain hands-on experience at GFL.

Bocsik says the people she works with at GFL are what she enjoys most about her job and describes the team as “a family”.

“We all work together really well and there's no shame if I don't know something and have to ask someone for help,” Bocsik said. “They’re always ready to lend a hand.”

Besides her job duties, Bocsik is active on GFL’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). She conducts monthly shop inspections and arranges for repair or replacement of equipment, when needed.

She also holds Toolbox Talks every Wednesday where the team goes over any safety concerns that might arise.

Bocsik’s advice to others who are thinking of going into the trade is to tough it out and not give up. You won’t understand everything right away but you will learn everything you need to know in time.

“As challenging as it can be to apprentice and learn so many things, it does get easier,” Bocsik said.

When she’s not working on the GFL fleet, Bocsik’s working on her two trucks at home. She also loves working in her garden where she grows vegetables and flowers, hiking, sitting by the water, and going on little adventures.

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