Three Routes Start
Apprenticeship

Automotive service technician

DEP Mécanique automobile (1,800 h); PAMT or direct employment, no CCQ

22 of 30 verified for Quebec; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Quebec works differently: trades are a nearly free DEP then a CCQ apprenticeship; college is a 3-year DEC at a cégep (tuition-free for residents); university is 3 years after a 2-year pre-university DEC. Numbers from IMT en ligne, CCQ, FIQ scales and the Relance surveys.
Years to credential1.5
First real paycheque~2 year
Time in a classroom15%
Total cost$2,500
Typical debt after$0
Demand in QuebecHigh

The first ten years

schoolschoolearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$496k1 year at $0 while in school, then $41,600 rising to $60,300 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$3ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$493kthe number on the card
Low to high$419k to $568kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Quebec median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isDiagnosing and repairing vehicles; increasingly electronics and EV systems rather than wrenching.
What actually stops peopleDealerships prefer applicants who already have a shop class or co-op.
The downsideMany shops pay by the job, not the hour, so slow weeks hurt. You buy your own tools, often $10–20k over a career.
If you're the parentReliable work everywhere, but lower pay than construction trades and a tool investment. Best for a kid who already loves cars.
Local opportunities in Quebec

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

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How to enter

What you need
  • No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up
Deadlines in Quebec
  • DEP (diplôme d'études professionnelles) through your school board, intakes in fall and winter; then CCQ for construction trades
  • Secondary 4 or 5 can start a DEP

Next steps in Quebec

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In QuebecQuebec rates this a shortage trade. Dealer tool costs rise after hire.
www.quebec.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Quebec Sources: IMT 72410 wages (min $20, median $29/h); MESS Diagnostic 2025-2029: déficit

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