Building the Workforce Behind Quebec’s BEV Transition
How MacLean Engineering is helping develop the next generation of battery-electric vehicle technicians in Québec
The transition to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in underground mining is more than introducing new equipment. It also requires a skilled workforce capable of safely maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting increasingly sophisticated electric vehicle fleets.
In Québec, that need has led to an industry-driven training initiative designed to prepare heavy equipment technicians for the growing presence of BEVs in the mining sector — and MacLean Engineering is proud to be part of it.
Through a collaboration with CFP Baie-James, a vocational training centre in Chibougamau, Québec, MacLean has contributed equipment, technical expertise, training resources and field experience to help develop and deliver the Mécanique d’engins de chantier hybrides et électriques program.
The approximately 600-hour program, developed with government support and industry input, provides participants with specialized training to become certified heavy equipment for BEV technicians.
For MacLean, the initiative represents an important part of supporting the broader BEV ecosystem — ensuring that the people responsible for keeping electric mining equipment productive underground have the knowledge and practical experience to do the job safely and effectively.
Addressing a new skills gap
As BEVs become an increasingly important part of the mining industry’s future, a clear training gap emerged.
Traditional heavy equipment technician programs have long provided technicians with the skills needed to work on diesel-powered equipment. But electric mining equipment introduces new systems, technologies and safety considerations that require additional specialized knowledge.
CFP Baie-James recognized this emerging need and stepped up to work with industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop a training program specifically adapted to the realities of heavy equipment BEV maintenance.
The initiative included looking beyond Québec to regions and countries where heavy-duty electric equipment was already being used to understand how technicians were being trained and how organizations were adapting to the technology.
The result is a hands-on, industry-informed program designed around the realities technicians encounter in the field.
“A gap in training and skill set was identified by both the industry and CFP Baie-James. The program was built by people who understand the reality of being a technician, while also understanding the importance of proper training. It is highly interactive and current with the technologies technicians need to troubleshoot BEV systems safely and effectively.”-
— Brad Trottier,
Customer Service and Support
Product Support and Training Manager
Bringing MacLean equipment into the classroom
One of the most important elements of the partnership has been giving students the opportunity to learn about actual mining equipment.
MacLean loaned a 975-472 Bolter to CFP Baie-James for use in the program, giving students hands-on access to a real MacLean BEV platform as they develop their technical skills.
Rather than learning exclusively from theory or classroom simulations, students can work with the same types of systems, components, and technologies they may encounter in an operating mine.
That practical experience is particularly valuable as Québec’s mining sector continues to expand its use of BEVs.
MacLean’s contribution to the program has extended well beyond the loan of a machine.
This hands-on experience is especially valuable as Quebec’s mining industry keeps expanding the use of battery electric vehicles.
The company has supported CFP Baie-James and its learners through:
- MacLean EV Series training sessions, facilitated for members involved in developing and delivering the program, providing insight into OEM-specific systems and technologies.
- Access to MacLean for technical documentation, including manuals, maintenance bulletins, and other resources that support learning objectives.
- Access to senior-level MacLean Field Service Technicians, giving students exposure to the practical realities of supporting BEV fleets in the field.
- Customer Service & Support Product Support expertise, with MacLean subject matter experts providing input into learning objectives, outcomes, course length and curriculum development.
- Participation from experienced MacLean technicians, with senior Field Service and Product Support personnel enrolling early in the program to help support learners with less experience.
To date, 17 MacLean technicians from the Field Service and Product Support teams in Québec and Ontario have successfully completed the program, with additional MacLean technicians currently in training.
Learning together — and building confidence
The program has provided benefits on both sides of the partnership.
For technicians already working with BEVs, the course offers an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and develop new troubleshooting capabilities. For newer technicians, it introduces a technology that will increasingly shape the future of underground mining.
The experience has also demonstrated that BEV training isn’t limited by years of experience.
Experienced technicians have been introduced to new diagnostic tools and approaches, while newer technicians have developed a strong interest in working with BEV equipment and pursuing careers in Field Service.
For MacLean, this is an important part of the transition.
This goes beyond just supporting a program. It’s about building real confidence in BEV adoption. When technicians train on the same equipment, they’ll see underground, the learning curve drops quickly, and it sets our customers up for long-term success. At the same time, it strengthens MacLean as an OEM by helping build a deeper pool of skilled technicians who know our equipment and can support it in the field.
Supporting Québec’s leadership in BEV adoption
Government support and industry collaboration have helped position Québec as a leader in the adoption of battery-electric mining equipment.
The training initiative at CFP Baie-James is an important part of that broader effort.
As mining companies introduce more BEVs into their fleets, having qualified technicians available to maintain and support that equipment becomes increasingly critical. Training the workforce alongside the deployment of the technology helps ensure that customers aren’t simply receiving new machines — they are building the capability to operate and maintain them for the long term.
This is especially important in Québec, where MacLean’s BEV equipment is already supporting the transition toward more electrified mining fleets.
MacLean is proud to contribute to that effort and to collaborate with organizations like CFP Baie-James that are investing in the people and skills required for the industry’s next chapter.
The beginning of a long-term partnership
The future of underground mining will require collaboration across the entire industry — from OEMs and mining companies to educators, governments and the technicians who keep equipment operating every day.
MacLean’s partnership with CFP Baie-James demonstrates what can happen when those groups work together toward a common goal.
By sharing equipment, technical expertise and real-world experience, MacLean is helping develop technicians who are better prepared to support BEV fleets — while gaining valuable insight from the people working directly in the field and classroom.
As Québec’s BEV fleet continues to grow, so too will the need for skilled technicians who understand the technology.
MacLean is proud to support Québec’s commitment to BEV adoption and looks forward to continuing to work alongside customers, educators and industry partners to build the skilled workforce that will keep the next generation of mining equipment moving.
