François Boissonneault has worked in mechanics for over forty years. He now works as a Cat heavy equipment technical trainer. François talks to us about his work, his career path, and what it’s like to work as a heavy equipment technician.
Can you tell us about your career path?
I completed training in auto mechanics in 1981. I immediately started working as a technician, and in 1993, I placed first in the General Motors competition in Canada. I then landed a technical communicator position in Toronto. I eventually decided to return to Quebec to be with my 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 are also more technologies, such as hydraulics.
How did you become a technical trainer at Toromont Cat?
I had a career plan when I started working. Initially, it was inconceivable for me to consider working as a trainer, as I enjoyed the manual work so much. But during a job interview with Mario Racette, the technical training supervisor and my supervisor, I was told that “we’re going to paint you yellow and teach you to be a trainer”. 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 mechanics, especially hydraulics, which was foreign to me. Funny enough, that’s the technology I am most comfortable with today!
I also travelled a lot to learn about Cat. I travelled 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 once solved a mysterious mechanical shovel failure at the Champlain Bridge in Montreal thanks to the advice of a German technician!
Are the courses you teach more theoretical or practical in nature? 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 trainings. 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.
What do you like most about your job? What are your biggest challenges? And what is your favourite project?
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.
What achievement are you most proud of?
In response to requests from customers and technicians, we created the Tool Control course (accessory orders[HL1] ). 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.
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 with my current experience, and 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 may spend years performing oil changes before you can lift a hood and change 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.
Do you have a message for future technicians who are interested in obtaining a DEP in heavy equipment?
When you enter the job market, choose an employer who will support you! When you join Toromont Cat, you get a "package" when you walk through the door. You will receive training, be on the cutting edge of technology, and remain that way throughout your career. If you work as a mechanic upon leaving school and don’t upgrade your skills, your practical skills will diminish as technology evolves, and so will your career options.
At Toromont, you will not only have a job but a career with development opportunities. As well, your efforts will be rewarded because the company promotes from within.
Do you want to advance your career as a mechanic?
Want to remain at the forefront of technology? Join Toromont Cat!
