Julie Milot: From a Love of Mechanics to a Fulfilling Reality

On this International Women’s Rights Day, we want to highlight the exceptional dedication of an employee from Île-Perrot Toyota, whose expertise and passion help the dealership shine every day. This is the perfect chance to celebrate her achievements, determination, and the impact she has, all while encouraging gender equality within the automotive industry. In that spirit, we introduce Julie Milot, an automotive technician, who shares her journey and perspectives through a short questionnaire.

Q: How long have you been working in the automotive field?
A: “For 8 years now. I got my vocational diploma in automotive mechanics in December 2016, and then I was hired at Île-Perrot Toyota in March 2017 following a three-week internship.”

Q: What attracted you to this field?
A: “From a very young age, I’ve always been interested in cars and motorsports. Car rides, motorcycle rides, and boating have always been my favorite activities. By the time I was 16, I already knew how to change tires, do oil changes, and handle basic maintenance on my own car. I never really thought of becoming a mechanic—I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I took a mechanics course just to deepen my personal knowledge, not knowing it would become my career. I knew I wanted to work for Toyota, but it was my internship that opened my eyes to my skills and helped me realize I could make this a profession.”

Q: Which position(s) have you held?
A: “I’ve only had my current position as an automotive technician.”

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in this industry?
A: “The biggest challenge I faced as a woman in this industry was when I first got into mechanics at 18. Being a young woman in a mostly male environment made it hard to be taken seriously. I had to prove my worth by showing my determination and proving that my abilities had nothing to do with being female or young.”

Q: What is your greatest pride in your automotive career?
A: “Honestly, everything about my work makes me proud: each piece of knowledge gained, every new mechanical task accomplished, every completed training course, every certification level achieved… My Toyota technician board is a huge source of pride, as are the years of experience I’m accumulating.”

Q: What advice would you give to a woman who wants to get into the automotive field?
A: “Whether you’re a man or a woman, everyone must gain skills and experience. It’s normal not to know everything at first. In fact, you’ll never know it all, because the automotive field is constantly evolving. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and ask people who really know their stuff. If a mistake can be avoided by asking a question, it’s totally worth it! It’s also important to build a good reputation because it will follow you throughout your career.”

Q: If you could drive any car, which one would you choose and why?
A: “My first crush was a 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 22RE, which introduced me to older Toyotas and off-roading. If I had the chance to drive one again, I’d definitely choose a 1980 Toyota Pickup 4x4. It’s pure mechanics, and driving it gives you an unmatched feeling!”

Julie’s journey shows that passion and perseverance are often stronger than stereotypes. Every certification and each job she completes prove that when a woman believes in herself and seizes opportunities, she can accomplish anything.

From Julie and the entire team at Île-Perrot Toyota, happy International Women’s Rights Day!