Overview
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail establishments which have automotive service shops. This unit group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$72,996
$93,852
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
2,731expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program are usually required.
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.
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.
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 Transport trailer technicians in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Automotive Service Technician
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Transport trailer technicians in B.C.
- Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Certification
- Transport Trailer Technician Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Transport Trailer Technicians
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.
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.
Transport Trailer 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 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.
Skilled Trades Certification - Transport Trailer Technicians
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a transport trailer technician 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.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.