Truck and transport mechanics

Overview
Employment prospects
Education and training

Overview

Truck and Transport Mechanics

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Automotive service technicians

  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor

  • Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults

  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment

  • Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications

  • Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups

  • Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.

  • Mechanical repairers - motor vehicle manufacturing

  • Inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions

  • Diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit

  • Repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools

  • Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance

  • Complete reports to record problems and work performed.

  • Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics

  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems

  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of truck-trailer systems including structural, brake and electrical systems.

  • Workers in this unit group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.

Job titles

  • after sales service technician - motor vehicles
  • alignment and brakes technician
  • apprentice motor vehicle mechanic
  • automatic transmission mechanic - motor vehicle
  • automatic transmission technician - motor vehicles
  • automobile mechanic

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers

Annual salary

Low

$41,712

Median

$66,739

High

$89,681

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

2,495

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Automotive service technician (service station mechanic) trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island.
  • Automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) trade certification is compulsory in New Brunswick and Ontario.
  • Automotive service technician (transmission) trade certification is compulsory in Ontario.
  • Automotive service technicians
  • Completion of a four-year automotive service technician apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in automotive technology is required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Completion of a four-year truck and transport mechanic or truck-trailer repair apprenticeship or A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in truck or heavy duty equipment mechanics is required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program are usually required.
  • Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing
  • On-the-job training of two to three years is provided by employers.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified automotive service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified truck-trailer repairers and truck and transport mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Trade certification for automotive service technicians is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Trade certification for truck and transport mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Yukon.
  • Transport trailer technician trade certification is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia and the Yukon.
  • Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics

Additional information

  • Mechanical repairers employed in motor vehicle manufacturing may progress to motor vehicle mechanic positions through an apprenticeship program, or with experience, they may progress to supervisory positions in motor vehicle manufacturing.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • With additional training, mobility is possible between automobile and truck and transport mechanics.
  • With experience, mechanics and technicians in this unit group may progress to supervisory positions.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Truck and transport mechanics in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Automotive Service Technician

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Truck and transport mechanics in B.C.

  • Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Certification
  • Truck and Transport Mechanic Red Seal Certification
  • Skilled Trades Certification - Truck and Transport Mechanics

Skilled Trades Certification - Automotive Service Technician

Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as an automotive service technician, truck and bus mechanic, or mechanical repairer in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Truck and Transport Mechanic Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Skilled Trades Certification - Truck and Transport Mechanics

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a truck and transport mechanic in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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