Canada's only watchmaking school continues in Trois-Rivières after 80 years

Canada’s only watchmaking school is still operating in TroisRivières, Quebec, 80 years after it was founded to help Second World War veterans build new careers. The École nationale d’horlogerie now trains students for jobs in watch and jewelry repair and related trades. Teachers say the program emphasizes patience, precision and technical skill, and the school currently has 20 fulltime students, with a waiting list. Students include people changing careers, such as a former interior designer and a student from France who hope to work in watch and jewelry services after graduating. The school also says it receives interest from companies such as TAG Heuer, Rolex and Birks. The program is facing an uncertain transition, however, after Quebec’s education ministry said the school will need to move because the elementary school building where it is housed needs the space. School staff say the school will stay in TroisRivières, but the timeline and logistics of moving its large collection of parts and tools remain unclear.