When Pam Cannan decided to pursue an apprenticeship in the parts technician trade, it wasn’t just about career growth – it was about setting a good example for her family by investing in herself. She did it by balancing being a single mom, a foster parent, and a full-time service advisor at Webb’s machinery. The key to her success? Staying organized, remembering to breathe and making space for things that mattered.

“I chose to become a parts tech because in my role as a service advisor, I saw firsthand how crucial parts knowledge is to keeping repairs efficient and customers happy,” Cannan says. “Becoming a parts tech felt like a natural next step in my career. It allowed me to deepen my technical knowledge, support technicians more effectively, and ensure I got the right part, the first time.”

Cannan started at Webb’s in 2013 in accounts payable, moving over to service advisor in 2014. She works with the service technicians, parts department, shipping and receiving, supplying the parts they need to complete repairs and upgrades.

“You’re learning all the time in this job,” she says. “I’ve been doing it since 2014 and it’s amazing to see how parts and part systems have changed over the years.”

To help stay on top of that changing knowledge and to better her ability to fulfil her role, Cannan started a parts tech apprenticeship, completing her first and third years of study through Lakeland College’s online program. Balancing her family and work obligations with studying wasn’t easy, but Cannan has never let a challenge prevent her from doing what she felt was important.

It’s why she became a foster mom while raising two children of her own and working full time.

“It is important to me because every child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can be loved, valued and heard,” she explains. “I was very blessed growing up to have a safe and stable home. I wanted the chance to give kids that needed a stable and safe environment a place to call home – even if it is for a short period of time. Fostering has definitely made me a stronger person.”

That strength served her well when it came to managing her time as she studied.

“Sometimes it was a struggle, but I’ve learned to always plan ahead and organize,” Cannan says. “I had set aside specific times for studying while making space for family and work responsibilities. I learned to ask for help from my family and from Webb’s. It wasn’t always easy but I just focused on my goals and staying flexible.”

The online nature of the parts tech program definitely helped, she adds.

“My experience training through Lakeland was very positive. Being in an online program gave me the flexibility to continue working full-time as a service advisor while pursuing my certification. The program was well structured, with clear expectations and support from the instructors. The instructors were very knowledgeable and approachable. They were easy to get in touch with and were very prompt on replying when I needed help.”

Cannan completed her parts tech studies in 2022. Looking back on her studies, she’s glad she didn’t let the challenge of working, studying and raising children prevent her from chasing her goals.

“My advice is just to go for it. The trades need skilled and hardworking people,” she says. “It is a challenge to balance work, school and family, but it is doable. The key is to stay organized, set realistic goals, and take a breath when things get too overwhelming. Remember, you’re setting a good example for your family by investing in your future. It won’t always be easy, but in the end, it will be rewarding.”