For Homer Manlangit, becoming a mechanic wasn’t a career choice, it was a birthright. As a third-generation mechanic, his interest in cars was passed down from his father and grandfather, both skilled in the auto repair trade.
Manlangit’s journey, is one shaped by mentorship, experience, and a deep desire to give back to future generations. Today, as a part-time professor at Durham College, he’s helping the next group of technicians prepare for an evolving industry, one that includes a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
Manlangit’s family immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in the late 1960s. His father, a mechanic by trade, established a mechanic shop that would later become the cornerstone of ManlangitHomer’s education in automotive work.
“I feel like I didn’t choose this profession, I was bred into it,” Homer says, reflecting on his early years spent in his father’s shop. “My father and grandfather were mechanics, and I’ve always been around cars, whether I liked it or not.”
From a young age, Manlangit was twisting wrenches alongside his father, learning the ins and outs of vehicles and developing a broad skill set that would serve him throughout his career. His grandfather, who passed away when Manlangit was still young, never worked with him directly, but his work ethic and lessons had an undeniable influence.
Manlangit spoke of his grandfather’s mentorship, recalling how he took the time to teach others even while not involved with a school or similar institute. “I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s just amazing… giving someone an opportunity at a better life,” Manlangit says.
After years of honing his skills as a mechanic, Manlangit decided to share that knowledge with others. The idea of teaching had always been on his radar, but it wasn’t until his body began to feel the toll of years spent working that he decided to take the leap.
“When I was working, I didn’t care about my body. Money was the driving force,” he says. “That’s when I realized I needed to give back and share my experiences with the next generation of technicians. Let them learn from my mistakes.”
Teaching, he says, has proven to be an entirely different challenge from working in the field.
In addition to teaching, Manlangit is also the driving force behind Durham College’s new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician Program. The program, one of only two of its kind in Ontario, is designed to prepare students for the rapidly growing field of electric vehicles, a sector that Homer has been interested in since his early days in the industry.
“My interest in electric cars started back when I was still in school, even though it seemed like a distant future at the time,” Manlangit explains. But while working at Volkswagen as a high-voltage technician, he got to drive the Volkswagen E-Golf. “It was just different to me, you know. We’re all used to the noise,” says Manlangit.
Homer’s experience with EVs, combined with his years of working on a wide range of vehicles, has helped him with starting this new program.
The program is in its early stages. The first cohort will start in the fall semester of 2025, but Manlangit is optimistic about its future.
“We don’t even know how many students will apply for it yet, but I think we’ll see the impact once we’re actually teaching,” he says.
Looking ahead, Manlangit’s hope is to one day transition to a full-time position at Durham College. His advice to students and others navigating their own paths is clear. Perseverance is key.
“There’ll be ups and downs in life, but I would say just do your best. Yesterday is gone, but what we can do is move forward today,” says Manlangit.