Gaëtan Receveur, the importance of reinventing yourself

Montreal is the tenth city Gaëtan Receveur has lived in. The young man, born in Metz in the Lorraine region, is the son of two Armed Forces members, which led him to live all over France. As a child, he did not enjoy school. "That has not changed, I get bored easily," he admits. That did not stop him from obtaining a baccalauréat professionnel (vocational baccalauréat) in industrial design in 2012 before joining the French Gendarmerie, where he worked for five years.

In 2019, Gaëtan changed careers for the first time. He studied in a photography school in Paris. He then worked as a photographer for events and fashion until March 2020. "The project to come to Québec was already a part of our plan as a couple, but the pandemic created a particular situation in the event industry, which accelerated my desire to change careers." He still had to be patient, as his program was delayed twice during the first waves of the pandemic. In addition, like many students, Gaëtan had to adapt to remote learning, with remote classes being sandwiched between in-person classes.

The DVS in Computing Support

The desire to leave France and take advantage of free education convinced the former photographer to cross the ocean to study in Québec. "The idea of travelling, of living elsewhere, has always attracted me. I like discovering things and new encounters. The word impossible is not in my vocabulary. I have been passionate about computers for a long time and wanted to further my knowledge in this field. The DVS in Computing Support was in line with my interests. The more I learn, the more I like it. In addition, this program offers interesting possibilities for advancement." He will graduate in June from the Centre de formation professionnelle Léonard-De Vinci, in Saint-Laurent, in Montreal.

Consult other videos related to the trade and training under the Useful links and videos tab on the Computing Support program page.

Among the advantages, the young man mentions the teachers who are working professionals or former professionals. "They know the field, which is important." Gaëtan has high expectations for his internship at the end of his training. "My objective is that my internship will lead to a job. It will be the time to put everything into practice in real-world conditions."

Two is Company

With his spouse by his side, who holds a working holiday visa, the young man dared to take the plunge. They settled in Verdun. They were both pleased by the welcome they received and the atmosphere in the workplace. "In Québec, an employee is not just an employee. Their well-being is important, their opinion counts and they are encouraged in their work."

Challenges When Changing Careers

Nowadays, changing careers is not uncommon. The labour market has constantly been evolving for the past 30 years, and newer generations are more likely to change professions several times during their life, whether by choice, due to life obligations or a desire to experience something new.

Whatever the reason, change causes stress. The possibility of failure is always there. It takes courage to leave a job you master in order to launch yourself into the unknown. Gaëtan says you must ensure you are aware of the challenges you will face, such as reconciling work and studying.

"Studying full-time and working part-time simultaneously is very taxing. The days are long and the fatigue builds up. You have to find a balance and still manage to make ends meet. It also requires being open to discovering and accepting new working methods."

The Importance of Being Informed

Gaëtan found it difficult to navigate the different programs offered in Québec and distinguish what is possible or impossible, which is why he considers an organization like Québec Métiers d'avenir to be essential. "They guided me step by step to do things correctly and in the right order. They also put me in touch with the schools and right people, which can be complicated when trying to communicate from abroad."

A Career in IT

IT support specialists, sometimes referred to as call centre agents, operators or consultants, install, configure and update operating systems, software and peripheral devices on computers. Graduates can work in the public or private sector, in small and large companies. The placement rate is 84% in Québec, and entry-level wages range from $14 to $21 per hour.

IT support specialists are essential in companies, providing technical assistance when computer problems arise. They guide users in the use of computer tools. As a part of their duties, they manage access to network resources, backup and recovery operations and security procedures. If working for a business, they advise customers.

"It's a job that requires being attentive, empathetic and curious. You have to keep yourself informed because it's a field that is constantly evolving. It's important to ask questions and stay informed about new tools and products that enter the market."

ExpressoJobs.com has compiled a list of the twenty most sought-after web-related occupations, based on reports from Emploi-Québec, Robert Half Technology and TECHNOCompétences; technical support agent is among them. There are currently twelve thousand jobs in IT available throughout the province!