Behind the wheel: Meet the heroes of BCAA's Roadside Assistance Team
3/31/2025For many of our BCAA Roadside Assistance Fleet Technicians, working at BCAA means more than just towing cars – it’s about making a difference in Members’ lives.
BCAA’s Roadside Assistance Team is built on skilled technicians who do more than just tow vehicles – they provide reassurance and support when BCAA Members need it most. With technical expertise and a passion for helping others, they keep British Columbians safe every day.
It's the people that make BCAA such a great place to work, like Hartley, who has made a career as a BCAA Roadside Assistance Fleet Technician for the past 13 years. Hartley shares an inside look at what it’s like to work in BCAA’s Roadside Assistance Team and why it’s his passion to help people at the roadside.
A day in the life of a BCAA Roadside Assistance Fleet Technician
Hartley starts his day at the BCAA Road Assist depot, spending some time with the team.
“There’s always a moment to say hi and connect with my team and that’s something I really appreciate about BCAA,” he shares. “We have a great culture, and it feels good to work with people you enjoy working with.”
After catching up with his colleagues, Hartley moves on to the essential pre-trip check. He ensures his truck is in top shape and equipped with everything he needs to make sure he’s set up for success for the day ahead.
The nature of the job means no two calls are the same, keeping everyone on their toes. “As a member of the Fleet team, you’re responding to a wide variety of calls. A typical day can bring all kinds of challenges,” Hartley says. “From flat tires to lockouts, I never really know what I’m walking into. But that’s part of the fun – it keeps things interesting. No two days will be the same.”
The autonomy of the role
For Hartley, the best part about being a BCAA Roadside Assistance Technician is the level of autonomy that comes with the role.
“There’s a lot of independence, which I enjoy. When you’re first starting, you receive a lot of training and support from your leaders. They’re there to answer your questions and help you get familiar. But as time goes on and you become more and more comfortable with the job and have fewer questions, you’re given space to do your thing. It’s a great feeling to work independently, knowing I can handle whatever comes my way,” he explains.
Although the job comes with a lot of responsibility, Hartley appreciates that he has the freedom to decide the best course of action by doing what’s right for the Member.
“That’s one of the things I love about BCAA – we have the autonomy to work independently, but there’s always help available when needed.”
The most rewarding part of the job
Hartley doesn’t hesitate when asked what the most rewarding part of his day is. “It’s the relief you see on the BCAA Member’s face when you help them out. A lot of the time, they’re stuck on the side of the road and anxious about what’s going to happen next. When you show up, and you’re able to reassure them that everything’s going to be okay – that’s the most rewarding part of the job.”
Hartley adds that it’s the small victories that matter most. “Sometimes you have to give a BCAA Member bad news, like they need a tow and that’s never easy. But the best feeling is when you can tell them it’s not as bad as they thought and you’re able to fix their car right then and there, getting them moving again.”
When it comes to what makes BCAA stand out, Hartley is quick to praise the company’s culture and approach to work-life balance. “BCAA is very accommodating”, he says. “They’re willing to work with you and take into account individual preferences and lifestyles to find what works for you. That says a lot about a company.”
Something that’s always stood out to Hartley is how BCAA supports team members’ personal and professional growth.
“They encourage setting goals, both personal and professional,” he adds. “There’s a lot of online courses BCAA offers to help you learn and grow. It’s great to work for a company that wants to see you improve and succeed.”
Why Hartley loves his job
When Hartley was asked why he loves his job – he chuckles and says: “That’s easy. There’s a lot of flexibility and freedom, and I get to help people every day. For a lot of people, it might be the first time their vehicle has broken down and they don’t know what to do. Showing up to help them, it’s like being a knight in shining armour.”
Hartley finds it especially rewarding when he can give good news to a Member. “You get that big sigh of relief, and they’re so grateful. Sometimes, we forget because it’s a typical day for us, but for that person, it’s a huge weight off their shoulders – you made their day. They don’t have to worry about being without their car or the cost of fixing it. I’ve had people hug me because they’re so happy that we’ve been able to help them avoid a trip to the shop.”
For Hartley, the appreciation from BCAA Members is what makes the job stand out.
“Who doesn’t love a job where someone is always happy to see you?”
Hartley’s story is just one of many that highlight the rewarding careers within BCAA’s Roadside Assistance Fleet Team. Whether it’s the autonomy, team culture or opportunity for growth, BCAA offers a career that’s more than just a job – it’s a place to thrive.
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