François Boissonneault has worked in mechanics for over forty years. He now works as a Cat heavy equipment technical trainer. We asked François what it’s like working as a trainer, about his unique career journal, and what he loves about the job.
Can you tell us about your journey to Toromont Cat?
I completed my auto mechanic training in 1981. From there, I started working as a technician right away, and in 1993, I placed first in the General Motors competition in Canada. After that I landed a technical communicator position in Toronto, though I eventually decided to return to Quebec to be closer to family.
I have two DEPs: one in construction machinery and one in auto mechanics. I worked in material handling, which is very similar to the automobile sector, except that its requirements are more stringent. There is also more technology to master and understand, like hydraulics.
You definitely picked up a lot of skills! So how did you become a technical trainer at Toromont Cat?
I had a career plan when I started working. Initially, working as a trainer didn’t really appeal to me – I enjoyed the manual work too much. But during a job interview with Mario Racette, the technical training supervisor and my own supervisor, he said, “We’re going to paint you yellow and teach you to be a trainer.” And it’s true - Mario ended up convincing me to rise to the occasion. I don’t have any regrets. I worked hard to get to where I am today. I applied myself and learned everything there is to know about heavy equipment, especially hydraulics, which at first was foreign to me. Funny enough, that’s the technology I am most comfortable with today!
I also traveled a lot to learn about Cat. I traveled to the U.S. and to Germany, and I made a lot of contacts in the industry. I sometimes interact with these international contacts to solve certain problems. We are always happy to help each other out. I remember solving a mysterious mechanical shovel failure at the Champlain Bridge in Montreal thanks to the advice of a German technician!
That’s a great story. One of the underrated benefits of working at Toromont Cat is access to a global network for Cat technicians.
Are the courses you teach more theoretical or practical in nature? And who do you train?
It's about 50/50. I teach as much theory as I teach practical skills. Our students fall into three different categories: apprentice technicians, technicians who work for Toromont Cat customers, and Toromont Cat certified technicians. When it comes to apprentices, they need to learn every aspect of the job. It’s rewarding for a trainer. There are a lot of questions and interactions, and apprentices are hungry for knowledge. With experienced technicians, the training is a little more intense. The questions are more detailed – we delve into the less-known technical components of a machine. You have to be prepared, and it's a win-win, because I also learn during these training sessions. It’s a great challenge for me. For our customers' technicians, expectations are slightly different. They usually perform less in-depth work than our technicians, as they tend to focus on maintenance and minor repairs.
It seems like a big part of being a trainer is knowing your audience and adapting your teaching style accordingly.
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy the technical aspect: looking at a diagram and trying to define each component. There are also new challenges to the job because of technological advances – things change each week. You have to read plans and documentation and stay informed to keep up with developments, which evolve quickly! My main challenge is to teach everyone something and to ignite passion.
The other trainers and I like it when you "get your money's worth" and learn. That's what we do this job for. My favorite project is the Apprentice Program, which allows me to share my knowledge and skills. I can be demanding with apprentices, and I know how to challenge them, but they can also count on me for support and encouragement.
You’ve accomplished a lot in your career. What achievement are you most proud of?
In response to requests from customers and technicians, we created the Tool Control course (Accessory Orders). In the beginning, Caterpillar didn’t provide any training, and no one was familiar with the subject. I had to complete the course from A to Z, without any existing documentation, which means that I had to learn all the parameters and identify the needs in order to teach it. I started from scratch. I learned a system that no one else knew, and made it one of my best lessons! Every week, I help at least two technicians troubleshoot this technology.
A lot of technicians wonder what kind of work/life balance they’ll have if they make the jump to training.
How do you balance work and family life?
I travel a lot, but I can still manage my time well. As I get older, I have less need and less desire to work overtime, and I use my accumulated work time to focus on leisure activities. I like to accumulate work hours to play golf.
Do you have any regrets? Looking back at your career, would you change anything?
We can't go back in time, but knowing what I know now, if I had to make choices again, I wouldn't have started my work in the automobile sector. In terms of advancement and opportunities, it can be very limiting. At a dealership, you can spend years performing oil changes before lifting a hood and changing an engine. In the heavy equipment industry, you can perform major work as soon as you’re trained. And it’s no secret that salaries are double what they are in the auto industry, where customers never want to pay for overtime. In the heavy equipment industry, customers need their machines as soon as possible, so overtime is not a problem for them.
Any advice for future mechanics interested in a heavy equipment certification?
When you enter the job market, choose an employer who will support you. When you join Toromont Cat, you get the full package right when you walk in. You will receive regular training to be and remain on the cutting edge of technology throughout your career. If you work as a mechanic and don’t upgrade your skills, your practical skills will diminish as technology evolves, and so will your career options.
At Toromont, you don't get just a job, you get a career with growth opportunities. The company likes to promote from within so you can create your own career path. You can easily transition to management, sales or event technical training like me, the choice is yours!
Want to remain at the forefront of technology? Join Toromont Cat!
Already a technician and looking to take your career to the next level? Our Technical Training service is hiring trainers and communicators.
