Jérémy Blaser, choosing vocational training to better choose Québec

Jérémy Blaser, 39, and his spouse had never been to Canada before undertaking the immigration process. "I had a good feeling deep down," recalls the draftsperson. "We are both hardworking people, and I firmly believe hardworking people make their own luck." The French native tells us about his career change, aided by a return to vocational training.

In France, after studying horticulture and obtaining a vocational baccalaureate in horticultural product marketing, Jérémy worked in business for twelve years. The last seven years, he worked for a renovation company specializing in tiles and sanitary appliances. At this job, he became familiar with plan drafting.

Dreaming of America

Jérémy always wanted to live in Québec. "When I was twelve, I saw a news story on television. It left an impression on me. My uncle, a great traveler, also spoke about America often. It was a dream I had for a long time, in the back of my mind.

"Year after year, I would talk about it with my wife. During a trip to the Pyrenees, where my father lives, something clicked. One day, after having spent some time surrounded by nature, she told me, 'I'm ready for Québec. It's your dream, you take care of the details.' So I started looking into how to immigrate. That was in the spring of 2016."

A Long Way from Home

Upon arriving in June 2017, after successfully completing all the administrative procedures with the help of Québec métiers d'avenir, the couple settled in Québec. "We come from the Paris region, so we have already done the big-city living. That's why we chose Québec City: for its family-friendly environment, quality of life and proximity to nature. I can leave work and be on the ski slopes in twenty minutes."

For the first few days, Jeremy felt jet lagged, literally and figuratively. He was feeling a little blue. He compared prices. He was surprised to learn he had to go to a pharmacy to buy a bus pass. "I had lost my bearings, but my girlfriend made me snap out of it. She told me to stop comparing because we weren't in France anymore. That's good advice. Finally, the lady who rented us an Airbnb showed us around the neighbourhood, and we found our apartment. She was, in her own way, like our fairy godmother."

A Way to Better Adapt

Jérémy undertook a professional reorientation to better integrate into his new environment. "For me, this is an excellent way to adjust and a good way to network. I also had a desire to learn a new trade, with all the challenges it entails.

"I had some apprehensions about going back to school. Would I be the oldest? The only foreigner? Would I understand everything at the right pace? My fears were unfounded; there are people from all walks of life and all ages in vocational training. With individualized training, you can set your own pace. Additionally, if you fail an assessment, you can retake it."

Residential and Commercial Drafting DVS

Jérémy chose a DVS in Residential and Commercial Drafting at the Centre de formation professionnelle (CFP) Maurice Barbeau in Québec City. "Residential and commercial drafting offers great job opportunities in a wide variety of fields: architectural offices, steel fabricators, companies specializing in stairs, ventilation, the oil industry, etc. There were some similarities with my last job," he explains.

At the CFP Maurice Barbeau, courses are given in individualized teaching, supplemented by three periods of internship totaling 120 hours. "I liked this teaching method where everyone advances at their own pace," he says. Although the imperial system gave him headaches, he enjoyed learning and mastering several 2D and 3D modeling software.

"Would I be the only foreigner? Would I understand everything at the right pace? My fears were unfounded; there are people from all walks of life and all ages in vocational training. With individualized training, you can set your own pace. Additionally, if you fail an assessment, you can retake it."

A Beyond Positive Experience

When he thinks back on his vocational training, Jérémy has nothing but positive things to say about his study experience, the school facilities, the school life and the teachers. "I thrived at school, and it allowed me to enter the job market with confidence. The teachers offer presence and support to each and every student. It brings them pleasure to transmit their knowledge and passion, they are always  available. We learn our trade in a context that is conducive to learning."

"My training also provided me with all the necessary tools for good integration into the workplace, such as making a resume for the Québec job market, developing the skills required in a company, starting a network by keeping in touch with former students and teachers. It's all these little things that make for smooth integration. I even graduated with special merit, which made me very happy," he adds.

Cautiously Moving Forward

Living abroad also means opening yourself up to another culture and way of life, even if Québec resembles France in some respects, says the draftsperson. The immigration process requires tenacity, perseverance and an extraordinary ability to adapt.

Jérémy says it is a mistake to arrive in a new country and think everything will be the same, and you should never act in haste. A certain amount of caution is required until permanent residency is obtained, especially concerning finances and major purchases such as buying a house. He also reminds us that it is wise to do things in the right order, without getting carried away.

Trade: Draftsperson

An architectural draftsperson draws residential, structural steel and concrete plans or building system plans (plumbing, ventilation and electrical) using computer software. It's a challenging job that requires resourcefulness and attention to detail. "There are some redundant tasks, but it is generally varied. The job requires spatial awareness and interpersonal skills since the work is done in teams and in collaboration with others. It's rewarding to be able to look back on every project you've worked on once it's built," says Jérémy.

"I chose vocational training in Québec to discover a new trade but also to help me adjust to my new country. Any experience can be a learning experience."

For the past three years, Jérémy has been a structural steel draftsperson. He works at Industries Canatal, a Beauce-based company that builds structures for large buildings. "As a draftsperson, we model an entire building in 3D detail from 2D plans designed by architects and engineers. The parts are then manufactured at our Thetford Mines plant before being shipped to the construction sites, mainly in Boston. The parts then fit together like a building set."

Consult other videos linked to the trade and training under the Useful links and videos tab on the Residential and Commercial Drafting program page.

A Christmas Gift

Come June, it will be five years since Jérémy and his spouse arrived in Québec. They have just welcomed a little boy and are sharing parental leave. They will soon go to France to introduce him to their respective families.

At Christmas, they received their permanent residency. "This is a great gift, after all our efforts and sacrifices, Québec is now our home. We have found our balance, and life is more peaceful."