Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 7321)

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers work on cars, buses and light and commercial transport trucks. They inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of these vehicles. Mechanical repairers do major repairs of, and replace, mechanical units on motor vehicles.

Want to learn more? Watch this WorkBC Career Trek video and see what it’s like to work in this type of career.

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Automotive technician

Source: WorkBC's Career Trek

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Automotive service technicians:

• adjust, repair or replace parts or components of automotive systems (i.e., fuel systems, brakes, steering and suspension, engines and drive trains, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems), using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment
• inspect motor operation, road test motor vehicles, and test systems using computerized and other testing devices to diagnose faults
• test and adjust repaired systems to the manufacturer's performance specifications
• perform scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• advise customers on the work they performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements
• review work orders and discuss work with supervisor

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.

Mechanical repairers (motor vehicle manufacturing):

• inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems to locate faults and malfunctions
• diagnose malfunctions and determine with supervisors whether to repair or replace units
• test and adjust units to performance specifications, repair or replace mechanical units or components, and complete reports to record the work done and any problems that occurred

Special duties

Workers in this occupational group may specialize in the following areas:

• transmission systems, engine and fuel systems
• air conditioning, cooling and heating systems,
• steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines and suspension
• electrical and electronic systems
• truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services

Automotive service technicians, truck mechanics and mechanical repairers typically work a regular 35- to 40-hour workweek. Some workers may be required to be on call for emergency repairs as some service shops offer evening and weekend services.

Workers in this occupational group generally work in automotive repair shops or garages. Those employed in small shops tend to have a wider variety of duties than those in larger shops.

Most work environments are well-ventilated and well-lit, although some shops may be drafty and noisy. This type of work can be dirty and is often carried out in cramped spaces, with considerable bending, kneeling and lifting.

Due to the large size of this occupational group, many job opportunities will arise from worker turnover. As well, more than three-quarters of future job openings will come from retirements.

Low interest rates, dealer incentives and population growth previously resulted in strong motor vehicle sales, which resulted in more cars that require servicing. After-warranty specialty shops that provide fast, low-cost maintenance for such items as oil changes, brakes and mufflers represent a particular growth area.

Technological advancements in motor vehicles and other equipment are making it increasingly important for mechanics and technicians to keep up with current systems and repair procedures. Technological developments, such as engine analyzers, are making mechanics more productive and reducing the number of workers required to do the same volume of work, which may limit employment growth in this group. Motor vehicle workers with specialized, up-to-date technological knowledge will be in greatest demand.