As Director of ATC, Montreal’s premier automotive school, Mathieu Charland has witnessed thousands of students step into their first garage, unsure of themselves, and graduate confident, capable, and career-ready. Since 2009, he’s led the school’s mission of building futures, one hands-on skill at a time.
“It’s all about giving a chance,” says Charland. “Giving a chance to people to get their feet wet, get their job going, get their career going, get the opportunity in place.”
ATC Montreal has been offering automotive training for over 20 years, serving aspiring auto mechanics with a commitment to job-focused education, passion-fueled instruction, and real-world opportunities.
We sat down with Mathieu to talk about what drives his passion, the power of hands-on training, and how ATC builds careers, not just skills.
Foundations First: Learning the Basics With Purpose
Charland’s team focuses on laying strong foundations through programs like ATC’s Apprentice Mechanic program. “This leads to solid grounds, a foundation where these guys can build their career on,” Charland explains.
In Quebec, where dramatic seasonal shifts create a rush for tire changes, that foundation often starts with tire work. “Everybody has to know tires, everybody, from the certified tech to the new guy,” he says. “If you show you can do tires, then you’ll be able to show the employer that you can do more.”
By teaching students to master the fundamentals, ATC auto mechanic school positions them to succeed in more complex tasks later.
Instruction Rooted in Real Industry Experience
Charland knows students arrive full of curiosity and ambition. Matching them with instructors who’ve lived the life of a technician is what makes the difference. “The guys that come in here, the students, they’re all about passion.”
Students say, what sets ATC’s programs apart is its instructors. “You’ve got to get the cream of the crop,” Charland says. “The top dogs… the guys that have the knowledge and have that passion to share that knowledge.” This experience makes the difference.
Industry Connection and Job Placement Support
Charland is especially proud of how closely ATC works with industry partners to help students transition from training to employment. “We’ve got dealerships coming in here and talking to students.”
It’s a relationship that extends long after graduation. “You need help finding a job a couple of years down the road? We’ll be there for you.” This personalized support is what makes students feel like they belong, Charland explains. “You get in here, you’re part of the family.”
A Pathway for Newcomers to Canada
Many of ATC Montreal’s students are newcomers looking to re-establish themselves quickly in a new country. “There’s an influx of newcomers coming into Quebec,” Charland says. “These guys, they need to get some revenue coming in quickly.”
He describes how ATC’s short, focused programs offer a practical solution.
“By getting into a quick program like our mechanic program, but also like our detailing program, where you land a job after three weekends, it enables you to get revenue quickly and start in the industry.” The hands-on model helps our automotive school students who may never have worked with cars before develop the confidence and experience needed to thrive.
The Results: Confidence, Careers, and Community at Our Automotive School
Charland says the most rewarding part of his role is seeing the transformation that happens over time. Some of them never lifted the bonnet of a car before, and they go off to become shop foremen at Porsche, or work for the Bell private fleet, he explains.
The stories come full circle when graduates return to share their success. “You hear good ones. That’s what your goal is.” Charland knows many prospective students hesitate before taking the first step. His advice is simple and honest. “This is going to be a tough journey, but we are here for you.”
See the full interview here: ATC Montreal Director Shares How Automotive Training Builds Confidence & Careers
Are you looking for comprehensive automotive training?
Contact ATC Montreal for more information.
