At the time of this interview with Clovis Soffack, the thermometer reads 34°C below zero in Nord-du-Québec. We ask him how he copes with such cold weather. “It’s nice and sunny,” he replies cheerfully. Although he admits that he has never dealt with such freezing temperatures, the student studying at the Centre de formation professionnelle de la Baie-James in Automated Systems Electromechanics is happy, nonetheless. He is telling us about his journey from Cameroon to Nord-du-Québec.
Choosing Québec Clovis wanted to develop his skills after his technical education in Cameroon. He chose a DVS in Automated Systems Electromechanics. What does it take to come and study in Québec? “Optimism and courage,” the 29-year-old replies spontaneously, in excellent French, despite it not being his mother tongue. At home, Clovis speaks a Bamileke dialect with his siblings and parents. His mother runs a small shop, and his father is a retired mechanic. “At first, during my first days in Québec, I wondered if my classmates were speaking another language than French,” he admits with a laugh. “When I realized they were speaking casually with the teachers, I was shocked!”
5,593 kilometres Adjusting to a new environment requires constant adapting. There are many challenges, like weather, food, and language, to name a few! It was quite a change of environment. Clovis left Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, where 3.7 million people enjoy the sun and an average of 26°C year-round, to undertake a DVS in Baie-James, a small municipality with barely 1,300 inhabitants and where the winter record is -45°C.
The snow, the food, which Clovis says is saltier, the independent way of life in America and the casual relationships between students and teachers really surprised him when he arrived here in September 2021.
He moved into the basement of an African woman who emigrated to Québec. He is speaking to us via his computer. “I had a typically African childhood with many people at the house at all times, neighbours, family. Life is very different here. It’s more like every man for himself, people stay home, but people enjoy great freedom and security in Québec. I was given an enthusiastic welcome, and in Baie-James, people are particularly attentive to foreigners and open-minded.”
The Beginning of a Study Project Nicely settled in his community, he is surrounded by a team of attentive teachers who are helping him in his journey. As an average student with a passion for soccer, Clovis says he began to really enjoy school after high school. He has been passionate about mechanics since childhood, a love he shares with his father. “I often went with him when he was doing repairs,” he says. After graduating, the young man enrolled in a technical institute in automation, where he obtained a degree in electromechanics. It was there that he first heard about Canada and Québec.
“The student community at my school praised the quality of education in Québec, and I was amazed by everything they were saying. Since Québec is predominantly a French-speaking province, I saw it as a possibility, and the idea slowly took hold in my mind. I started researching on the Internet.” When he finished his studies, he worked as a technician for two years. He quickly felt overwhelmed by the new technologies, and his desire to seek more skills was reignited.
Québec métiers d’avenir At the end of his training, he wants to work with an electrician to further perfect his skills. He hopes to return to Cameroon and start his own business. It was while watching YouTube videos that Clovis’ plan to study in Québec was solidified. It was also in a video that he learned about the existence of Québec métiers d’avenir. Throughout the process he started at the end of 2020, the organization supported Clovis. “They were a great facilitator throughout my adventure, from my application to settling in Québec. The team at Québec métiers d’avenir helped me and guided me every step of the way. Obviously, I had fears about studying abroad with COVID, the fear of the unknown, inability to adapt, etc.
“To this day, the people at Québec métiers d’avenir check up on me and make sure everything is going well. It is reassuring to know that they are always ready to help me. I would recommend them, no questions asked.”
Training in Baie-James When he arrived in Montreal, Clovis was greeted by the son of a cousin’s husband. A week later, he was getting settled in Baie-James. He had just enough time to get equipped for the cold weather and began his training program. “Individualized training lets you progress at your own pace, and the teachers are always available to answer everyone’s questions. We have access to all of the necessary equipment. When it comes to tools or instruments, they are available so we can manipulate them and get used to them. It’s a learning environment consistent with what you’ll find in the industry,” he emphasizes.
Consult other videos related to the trade and training under the Useful links and videos tab on the Automated Systems Electromechanics program page.
A Versatile Training Program Clovis chose the Automated Systems Electromechanics program because this training covers many skills and offers many prospects at the end of the course. “You can work as an electrical mechanic, of course, but also as an electrician, a mechanic, or an electronic technician, and in several fields,” he says. “The course gives us versatility and autonomy, and there are many possibilities.”
“Individualized training lets you progress at your own pace, and the teachers are always available to answer everyone’s questions. We have access to all of the necessary equipment.”
Clovis Soffack, Student, Automated Systems Electromechanics First Taste of Snow Since his arrival less than a year ago, Clovis has experienced his first winter. He even tasted snow to satisfy the curiosity of his younger brothers and sisters back home.
“Snow is both very beautiful and very dangerous,” he says. “You have to protect yourself, especially here in Nord-du-Québec.” Clovis also did remote learning due to the confinement imposed by the pandemic. Among the challenges that require a capacity to adapt, he mentions the technical terms in English that are often used. “But the teachers are easier to understand, unlike my peers.”
“Vocational training in Québec combines theory and practice perfectly, which improves understanding and the acquisition of skills. This leads to quick progression. There is no doubt in my mind that vocational training in Québec is an excellent choice.”
Clovis Soffack, Student, Automated Systems Electromechanics Clovis’ Future Clovis is expected to graduate in 2023. If things continue to go smoothly in individualized training, he expects to be ahead of schedule. In the meantime, when he feels nostalgic, like during the holiday season, he reaches out to his family through social networks and webcam. “I miss my family. My father and uncle have supported me financially since the beginning. My parents believed in me and this crazy dream.”
At the end of his training, he hopes to be paired with a self-employed electrician for his final internship. “When I return to Cameroon, I plan to become an entrepreneur. There is a lot of work to be done in my country. I want to establish myself there.”