Unit Group
7321 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
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.
Example Titles
apprentice motor vehicle mechanic
automobile mechanic
automotive service technician
brake systems mechanic
bus mechanic
mechanical upgrader – motor vehicle manufacturing
motor repairer – motor vehicle manufacturing
transmission mechanic
truck and transport mechanic
truck-trailer repairer
tune-up specialist – motor vehicle
View all titles
Main duties
Automotive service technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
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Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor
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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
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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
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Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer’s performance specifications
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Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
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Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.
Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing, perform some or all of the following duties:
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Inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions
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Diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit
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Repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools
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Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance
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Complete reports to record problems and work performed.
Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
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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
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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.
Employment requirements
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Automotive service technicians
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Completion of secondary school is usually required.
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Completion of a four-year automotive service technician apprenticeship program
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or
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A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in automotive technology is required to be eligible for trade certification.
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Trade certification for automotive service technicians is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
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Automotive service technician (transmission) trade certification is compulsory in Ontario.
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Automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) trade certification is compulsory in New Brunswick and Ontario.
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Automotive service technician (service station mechanic) trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
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Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified automotive service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
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Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing
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Completion of secondary school is usually required.
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On-the-job training of two to three years is provided by employers.
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Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics
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Completion of secondary school is usually required.
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Completion of a four-year truck and transport mechanic or truck-trailer repair apprenticeship
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or
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A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in truck or heavy duty equipment mechanics is required to be eligible for trade certification.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Additional information
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With additional training, mobility is possible between automobile and truck and transport mechanics.
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The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
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With experience, mechanics and technicians in this unit group may progress to supervisory positions.
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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.
Classified elsewhere
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Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (7312)
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Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers (9522)
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Motor vehicle body repairers (7322)
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Recreation vehicle service technicians (in 7384 Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c. )
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Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling (9221)
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Supervisors of motor vehicle mechanics (in 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades )
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Transport truck and trailer assemblers (in 9526 Mechanical assemblers and inspectors )