With more than 110,000 electric vehicles on the roads since April 2021, Quebec has become a leader in electrifying its vehicle fleet. That number will continue to increase given provincial and federal policy directions.
Are we ready for this massive, almost exponential arrival of these new technologies? Do we have everything in place for the electric transport market to be sustainable?
Technologies are increasingly efficient, models more and more varied to suit a wide audience, purchase prices increasingly competitive, and charging stations available across the province… everything is in place for Quebec to go "green."
Yet, since no vehicle is infallible and no driver is faultless, electric transport will face the same issues as any other vehicle on the road: repairs and maintenance. Although less demanding, the electric car will still need regular (but less frequent) visits to the dealer or mechanic for upgrades. Not to mention unfortunate visits due to road accidents or other breakdowns.
What about the "local mechanic" who will receive your vehicle because a warning light has just come on your dashboard, or worse? Has he been trained for this kind of repair?
This question immediately arose among the teachers at the School of Motorized Equipment Trades of Montreal (ÉMEMM) and the answer was quick: there is a skills gap in electric vehicle repair to fill. And quickly!
For several years, ÉMEMM has been working to establish expertise to offer professional training content related to the mechanics of electric and hybrid vehicles. Several of our teachers were approached by the Ministry of Education to work on developing a Professional Studies Certificate (Attestation d'Études Professionnelle, AEP) in Electric Vehicle Mechanics. This 645-hour program, aimed at certified mechanics or those with recognition of prior learning, presents, among other things, the following topics:
- Health and safety
- The operation of electrical and ordinary circuits
- Repair of network communication systems, propulsion systems, high-voltage systems, and charging systems
- Problem solving related to interactions between systems
Of course, we understand that not all mechanics or companies can free themselves to follow a nearly six-month program. That is why the continuing education office, located on the ÉMEMM site, strives to offer customized programs that meet the client's expectations while respecting their constraints. Whether for a car, a bus, or an electric truck, our training experts share their knowledge to develop tailored programs so that participants adopt safe techniques and have the necessary skills for the upkeep, repair, or maintenance of an electric vehicle.
The profession of mechanic had been somewhat less popular recently among students. Because the environment and pollution are among young people's concerns, the automobile had a declining reputation and also because the mechanic trade was considered a "dirty-hands" job. Faced with these new technologies, the mechanic will have to add a set of new skill blocks to his curriculum that will certainly attract young people again, since they involve electronics and clean technologies.
The automotive and transportation sector are undergoing major transformations, and the jobs linked to them are as well. Technological development cannot, and must not, occur without the development and transformation of skills if we want to ensure the sector's reliability and maintain recognition of Quebec expertise.
Cover image photo credit: Nicolas Piguet
To learn more about the AEP in Electric Vehicle Mechanics >>
This partner content was produced as part of the En route! project – The careers destination in electric and intelligent transportation.
