Since February 12, the Québec Division of AIA Canada has been organizing the fourth annual edition of AIA Canada Day. This event gives members of the division the opportunity to meet students from various vocational training centers (VTC) and introduce them to career prospects in vehicle maintenance.

During these meetings, students explore job opportunities as well as the keys to a successful career, thanks to the guidance of teachers, members of the Québec Division, and professionals from the industry. This year, ten VTC were visited, including the École des métiers en équipement motorisé de Montréal (EMEMM), a school recognized for its expertise in the field.

On this occasion, around one hundred students in automobile mechanics and bodywork at EMEMM, accompanied by their teachers, attended a video presentation by Jean-François Champagne, President of AIA Canada. He explained AIA’s mission and presented an overview of the initiatives taking place in Québec. Alexandre Lajeunesse, Vice-President of the Québec Division of AIA Canada, followed with a presentation in which he outlined several important points that future players in the industry will need to consider to succeed in their careers.

In addition to presentations by AIA representatives, local shop owners shared their career paths in the aftermarket sector, notably addressing prospects for acquiring SMEs. Knowing that more than 20% of current mechanics will retire in the coming year, job and entrepreneurship prospects in the field are very promising. At present, more than 200 000 jobs exist in the automobile aftermarket sector, along with 5,895 auto repair businesses in Québec.

The presentation also highlighted technological challenges, including the evolution of mechanics in hybrid and electric vehicles. Future mechanics will therefore need to acquire a diverse range of skills to meet market demands.

Carole Guillemette, Assistant Director at EMEMM, shared some data about student numbers: 450 students are enrolled in automotive mechanics, in addition to four evening groups of 20 adults each. The automobile mechanic’s program includes 15 groups of 20 students, while the bodywork program includes two groups. EMEMM also offers two groups of 20 students specializing in recreational vehicles and two groups of 20 people in bicycle repairs.

Ms. Guillemette emphasized that several EMEMM students were able to enter the job market thanks to internships, notably at Communauto, which now has its own automobile repair and body shop.

Other participating schools include the following: VTC Nova, VTC Pavillon de l’Argile, École des métiers spécialisés de Laval, VTC Verdun, VTC Compétence Rive-Sud, VTC Rimouski-Neigette, VTC de Coaticook, VTC Wilbrod-Bherer, and VTC des Portages-de-l’Outaouais.

As part of this initiative, 18 scholarships of $500 were awarded to deserving students in recognition of their perseverance, resilience, and academic excellence. Three EMEMM students were among the winners, each receiving a $500 scholarship.

The Raymond-Savard Scholarship, offered in collaboration with the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation, represents a total of $9 000 for students.

AIA Canada is proud to support the next generation in vehicle maintenance and repairs by highlighting the many opportunities this industry has to offer. This year, over 50 classes participated in the event, bringing together around 1 000 students.