Clean electricity is powering more and more parts of the economy. It’s powering our cars and the transport trucks that move our goods across the country, as well as heavy industries like steel and aluminum. Generating this clean electricity for our homes and our industries means building new wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear projects. And to do that, we have to manufacture and assemble the parts for these turbines, panels and facilities.  

To find out more about the job opportunities in the renewable electricity production field, we spoke with Caroline Gevry, a Quebec-based senior manufacturing manager for New Economy Canada member GE Vernova. 

Can you tell us about your job? 

I am a senior manufacturing manager at GE Vernova’s Sorel-Tracy plant, where I am responsible for a team that manufactures the components of hydroelectric systems and then assembles them. 

What does your day-to-day look like?  

Each day at the plant blends strategic planning, hands-on problem-solving, and team engagement. It’s a role that is as challenging as it is rewarding, as we continuously push boundaries to advance a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for all. 

The center of the operation is the operator and like a finely tuned Formula One pit crew, we all revolve around the “driver” or operator of our machines. We begin each day with a high-energy huddle with people from various roles and expertise to align our efforts and set the stage for smooth operations. Once our plan is set, supervisors guide their teams in tackling the “challenge of the day” with specific actions to keep operations running seamlessly and I focus on problem-solving, working with project teams to address any issues and maintain continuous production, with safety always being our top priority. 

Afternoons are dedicated to progress meetings where we review submissions, planning, and other key areas, learning and adapting as we go. And the day ends with a factory tour to observe operations.  

What are your favourite parts of your job? 

What makes my job truly rewarding is how it aligns with my deep commitment to low carbon energy and the tangible impact we can make in hydroelectricity. Working in this field energizes me because we’re not just creating parts; we’re building monumental components with the precision of aerospace engineering, all while shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. 

I’m also passionate about developing our team. In our factory, every role is crucial, and seeing our diverse talents come together towards a shared goal fosters a strong sense of unity and pride. The satisfaction of completing a project, which can take over nine months, is immense. 

I find it incredibly fulfilling to be involved in every stage of production. Building a hydroelectric system feels like solving a grand 3D puzzle, and witnessing each piece fall into place is both beautiful and inspiring. 

What was your career path to get to this role? 

My career journey in clean energy has been anything but conventional, driven by a deep curiosity about how things are designed, made and delivered. My educational background reflects this diverse interest, starting with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a BAC in Industrial Design, and a University Certificate in Management and Quality Assurance. 

I’ve worked across various roles in the hydro industry, from quality audits to supply and logistics project management, which helped me build a broad network and understand complex interactions.  

Most recently, as plant director at the Sorel-Tracy plant, I tackle operational challenges and work with passionate colleagues. Each day, I am energized by the opportunity to contribute to producing advanced dam parts, leveraging modern technology to generate more energy than ever before. This role perfectly blends my diverse experiences and fuels my commitment to building a low carbon energy future. 

What benefits has your company brought to your local community? 

We are very proud to have a plant in Sorel-Tracy, and to hire people from the local community and Quebec region. Our customers value having a partner that operates on both a global and local scale. We aim to be the employer of choice in the region by providing development opportunities for our employees at every level. By collaborating with local institutions, we offer technical education and on-the-job training to nurture young talent, promote a low carbon future, and inspire our community to join us in our mission.  

There are hundreds of clean energy and tech companies in Canada. And millions of people are working in clean energy, clean tech and across our supply chain. Find out more about clean economy jobs and see who’s hiring!