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Auto mechanics, heavy-duty mechanics and industrial machinery operation on construction sites is experiencing an upswing at the moment in Quebec. Despite the recent spate of factory closures and the diminishing number of businesses in this sector since 2001, employment in the auto mechanic trade remains stable and future prospects look promising.

"There are no longer any car manufacturers operating in Quebec, but there are a lot of businesses in the field of mechanics, as well as numerous car dealerships and independent auto shops," said Carole Larose, Director of the Comité sectoriel de la main-d'oeuvre du secteur de l'automobile (CSMOSA)

CREATIVE MECHANICS
In Quebec, the history of mechanics began to develop at the time of Confederation in 1867 when the first Quebec-made car was manufactured by Henry S. Taylor. It was called the "Taylor", named after its inventor from Stanstead in the Eastern Townships. There have been other pioneers in diverse sectors of the mechanics industry. For example, during the Second World War, the Thibault Company was recognized for its military machinery and fire engines.

Over the years Quebec has developed several different skill areas in the field of mechanics, whether in machinery for the forestry industry in northern Quebec or in the area of designing buses and recreation vehicles. In fact, the first recreation vehicle in the belle province was invented way back in 1910.

It goes without saying that one of the most famous inventions in the history of Quebec auto mechanics is the snowmobile. Two significant contributors to the industry were Henri-Émile Casgrain and Armand Bombardier, among many other. Casgrain's invention of the snowmobile, further developed by Armand Bombardier, laid the foundations of a solid aeronautical industry in Quebec, notably in the greater Montreal region, including Laval, the Laurentians, Montérégie and the city of Montreal.

WORKERS WANTED
Throughout Quebec, many small, medium and big businesses specializing in mechanics have been created. One glance at the number of trades mentioned in this industry on our website: headingforsuccess.com confirms the fact that whether you are looking for jobs in maintenance, aeronautic design or industrial machinery operation on construction sites, (Abitibi, Cote-Nord and the Laurentians), you will find there are more than 130 different professions.

According to Suzanne Mercier, the Corporation des concessionaires d'automobiles de Montréal: "There is a shortage of good mechanics, auto body workers and specialists in auto body repairs."

In short, Emploi-Quebec would like to emphasize that employment prospects are good in the field of auto mechanics. For example, in the Lanaudière region, about one out of every three businesses (32 %) in this sector plans on hiring new staff in 2005. In Quebec City, that percentage is event higher at 38 %; in Montreal it soars to 42 % and in Montérégie 20 % of auto mechanic businesses anticipate taking on new personnel.

NEW SPECIALIZATIONS
The demand for labour in the years to come will not be limited to traditional areas in these professions. According to Pierre Lavallée, the director of the Centre d'expérimentation des véhicules électriques du Québec (CEVQ), we can expect new trades will be developed because of innovation in the area of transportation, such as electric cars or alternative fuels, which will affect all sectors in mechanics.

"There is a growing trend in Quebec, particularly in the regions of Monteregie, the Laurentians and Mauricie, to offer training adapted to this new generation of technology in transportation", added Mr. Lavallée. At the University of Sherbrooke, students can learn about the role of electronics and information technology in mechanics.

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY FIGURES IN QUEBEC
In Quebec, there are about 100,000 workers in the automobile industry. According to an industry overview, conducted by the CSMOSA, the distribution of jobs among the three main sectors of sales, repairs and car parts is reasonably similar from one region to another. For example, approximatively 30 % of jobs in the industry are in new car sales, while in repairs, this figure is slightly higher at 36 %. Finally, 20 % of people employed in the industry work in the area of assembly and distribution of car parts and tires.

In terms of income, for the past five years, wages have risen everywhere by at least 5 %, although this figure can vary depending on the region. For example, in 2004 in the Saguenay-Lac St. Jean region, as well as in Montreal and Quebec City, the average wage of a mechanic ranged from $ 14 to $ 22 per hour, while in the Laurentians, Lanaudière and Mauricie, wages varied from $12 to $ 18 per hour.

FORMULA ONE
Formula One is a great example of what the automobile industry does best: building powerful cars using advanced technology, cars driven by professionals who are, to the say the least, quite adventurous. More than ever, Quebecois are marking their mark.
Needless to say, when it comes to Formula One, who comes to mind but Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve, representing two generations of drivers who have electrified fans in Quebec and around the world. Their talent and success will surely inspire other drivers to take a chance at winning in Formula One.

There are also other people who are perhaps not as well known, but who have nevertheless have made their presence felt in Formula One. There is Gino Rosato, who for years has taken care of logistics for the prestigious Ferrari team, in addition to the Processia company in Blainville that provides the Renault team with the tools and software to design auto parts.