A DEP changed their life for the better: a new beginning for this young Cameroonian

Like many immigrants, vocational training changed the life of Armel Yonjoua Kuibou, a young man of Cameroonian origin who is now well-established in Shawinigan.

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Armel grew up in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. He has long dreamed of coming to study in Quebec, where his older sister lives, since 2010.

After obtaining several diplomas, including a license in electrical engineering, he decided to enroll in vocational training in industrial mechanics to fill some gaps in his training.

“With us, the training is more theoretical. We don’t really have access to the equipment to develop the practical part,” he says.

A personalized course

Armel first set foot in Quebec at the start of winter in December 2019 and began his training a few weeks later at the Carrefour Formation Marcy in Shawinigan.

Pandemic is quick to play spoilsport, but despite everything, he can complete his 1,800-hour program in just over a year, thanks to a personalized course, but the estimated duration is 17 to 22 months.

“There are some concepts that I have already come across in the courses, but here is the technical side of the training, which allowed me to grasp many concepts better”, he explained.

Going into business

He now works full-time as an industrial mechanic at a local company specializing in paint recycling, a job that allows him to make a good living and plan for the future.

In addition to saving to buy a house, he wants to start a business to eventually become his own boss.

“I’m really happy with my journey and what I’ve been able to achieve here. It’s a dream come true,” he said.