Automotive service technicians

Overview

Automotive Service Technicians

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 2024 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

$72,996

High

$93,852

Job openings

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

British Columbia

2,731

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Automotive service technicians

  • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program are usually required.

  • 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.

Additional information

  • With additional training, mobility is possible between automobile and truck and transport mechanics.

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

  • 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 Automotive service technicians in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Automotive Service Technician

Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Automotive service technicians in B.C.

  • Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Certification

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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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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

Beneficial post-secondary programs (not required)

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