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Frequently Asked Questions

Canada - Human Resources / Careers / Employment

When was the Bell Helicopter plant inaugurated in Mirabel?

The plant's official opening took place in 1986. After the successful completion of its first contract for the production of 100 tailbooms destined for the Huey helicopter, Bell Helicopter selected Mirabel to produce the 206B JetRanger, the most popular helicopter on the market at the time. From then on, Mirabel's reputation was established and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL) became Bell's commercial division.

How many employees work in Mirabel?

Today BHTCL employs 2,400 regular full-time employees and more than 500 support people for services such as Information Technology, food services and security.

Why should I consider a career at Bell Helicopter?

BHTCL is proud of being an employer of choice.. Not only does it offer a most comprehensive benefits and wage program, its location is a great asset. Most of its employees live nearby; just think - no more traffic, no more high gas bills to pay.

What are Bell's hiring criterias?

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited offers a wide variety of positions requiring an equally wide range of skills and education. As a minimum, BHTCL requires a high-school diploma. For highly skilled tasks, the necessary experience and education combination is needed (professional, college and university leaving certificates/degrees).

Does Bell have an apprenticeship program?

We work closely with professional schools such as l'École des Métiers de l'Aérospatiale de Montréal and jointly offer internship trainings in departments such as structural assembly, paint preparation and composite assembly.

What types of jobs are available?

Although the job possibilities evolve constantly, here are some departments susceptible to require personnel : Procurement, Programs, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Operations, Human Resources, Health and Safety, Security, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Support, Finance, Contracts, Information Technologies, Product Support, Technical Publications, Marketing, Global Trade Compliance, etc.

Is there any opportunity for advancement?

All jobs openings up to the supervisory level are posted within the organization. Since the employment duration averages at approximately 11 years of service, many of our employees have progressed from junior to intermediate, supervisory or managerial positions.

What is it like working at Bell Helicopter in Mirabel?

You feel part of a large family and new challenges make up your everyday life. BHTCL offers you the opportunity to improve your skills; you will also be encouraged to learn and broaden your experience by being part of a multi-skilled team.

How does Bell compare with other aerospace companies as far as benefits are concerned?

A benchmarking exercise conducted within the entire aerospace industry in Quebec ranked BHTCL first.

What are the working hours?

BHTCL has a 40-hour workweek. The office employees can take advantage of flexible work schedules. The plant employees' schedule is from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Are there any teleworking possibilities?

Yes, certain office employees have this option.

Would I have to work on shift?

This is one of BHTCL's employment conditions for shop floor positions as well as some office support groups.

Are employees required to travel?

Occasionally, certain employees may be required to travel..

Are there any community programs that you are involved in that you would care to point out?

Yes. Forty-five of our employees are touring high-schools in our region in order to promote a Stay-in School Program. BHTCL is very committed in encouraging youngsters to complete their high school education. This involvement may almost seem to be perceived as a selfish endeavour in the sense that we are actually investing in our future.

What is the model of the helicopter installed in front of your building?

This superb machine is a Bell 430. Inaugurated in September 2001 at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the Mirabel facility, the 430 gave BHTCL its own identity. Onlookers who come close enough to the underside of the mock-up will be able to decipher the signatures of the employees of that time who also decided on the colour scheme by popular vote.