Manufacturing 4.0: How to Recruit Tomorrow’s Talent

In Quebec, from Montreal to Saguenay via Montérégie, the manufacturing sector is undergoing a revolution with Industry 4.0. Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced robotics, and data analytics are transforming factories, offering potential for productivity and global competitiveness. However, a major obstacle looms: a critical shortage of qualified talent. By 2025, Quebec could face a shortfall of 292,000 workers, rising to 363,000 by 2030. In manufacturing, the digital skills needed for tomorrow are particularly scarce. How can Quebec companies attract the talent of the future? Let’s explore the challenges, key skills, and winning strategies across the province.

Quebec is a diverse manufacturing hub, with aerospace in Montreal, aluminum in Saguenay, agri-food in Montérégie, and green technologies in Sherbrooke. Yet, the labor shortage affects all these regions. In Q2 2025, Quebec’s vacancy rate stands at 3.1%, with sectors like manufacturing and construction facing thousands of unfilled positions. For instance, construction, a related sector, reports over 11,000 vacant jobs. In manufacturing, over 100 professions will face shortages by 2033, particularly those tied to Industry 4.0.

This shortage is amplified by retirements and the shift to advanced technologies. In Montreal, an innovation hub with institutions like Polytechnique Montréal, competition for talent is fierce. In Saguenay, companies like Rio Tinto struggle to recruit for sustainable aluminum projects. In Montérégie, agri-food SMEs seek automation experts. This provincial reality demands tailored solutions.

Industry 4.0 is redefining talent needs across Quebec. Here are the most sought-after skills in 2025 to stay at the forefront:

• AI and Data Analytics: Smart factories rely on data to optimize production. AI analysts can boost productivity by 10 to 25% in Canadian factories.

• Industrial Cybersecurity: With IoT, protecting connected systems is vital, especially in aerospace in Montreal or green technologies in Sherbrooke.

• Robotics and Automation: Mastering automated systems is crucial, whether for production lines in Quebec City or agri-food factories in Chaudière-Appalaches.

• Soft Skills: Creativity, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential for high-value-added products, a key strength of Quebec manufacturing.

A survey indicates that 69% of Quebec manufacturing companies plan to adopt Industry 4.0 in 2025, compared to 47% last year. However, the lack of talent is slowing this transition, particularly for SMEs outside major centers.

To build a workforce ready for the future, Quebec companies must act strategically. Here are solutions tailored to the province:

1. Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with institutions like ÉTS in Montreal, Cégep de Trois-Rivières, or Université de Sherbrooke to train cohorts in AI and robotics. Initiatives like OBVIA in Quebec City enhance competitiveness through innovation.

2. Training and Upskilling: Invest in employee retraining. Provincial subsidies for manufacturing innovation, such as those from the ESSOR program, support these efforts.

3. Attractive Employer Branding: Leverage Quebec’s quality of life and innovation to appeal to millennials and Gen Z. Offer flexible schedules, especially for analytical roles in Montreal or Quebec City.

4. International Recruitment: Quebec facilitates immigration for in-demand occupations. Headhunters can target global talent to fill gaps, whether in Saguenay or Montérégie.

Companies like Sixpro in Granby, specializing in metal coating, illustrate how the labor shortage limits growth—a challenge shared by many Quebec SMEs.

Manufacturing 4.0 is an opportunity for Quebec to shine globally, from Montreal to Saguenay. But without tomorrow’s talent, this vision will remain a dream. By investing in training, employer branding, and strategic recruitment, companies can turn this challenge into a competitive advantage. Need experts in AI, robotics, or cybersecurity? Our headhunters cover all of Quebec for tailored solutions. Share your challenges in the comments and follow us for more insights on tomorrow’s manufacturing!