Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada. Automotive Painters

Transcription

1 Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada Automotive Painters

2 Acknowledgments Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors. Special acknowledgments are extended to the following individuals: Manola Barlow, Independent Contractor Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College Kenneth Kolisyk, Auto Paint Instructor, Winnipeg, Technical College Randy Kehler, Auto Paint Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Funding for this project has been provided by The Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. Disclaimer Statements and opinions in this document do not refl ect those of Winnipeg Technical College or the project funder, Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. The information is gathered from a variety of sources and is current and accurate as of the revision date noted. This information is subject to change and will not be further updated. It is the responsibility of the reader to seek current statistics and information. Please contact Winnipeg Technical College at or if you have any questions about the contents of this document. 2

3 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Description... 3 Where They Find Work... 4 Language Requirements... 4 Skills... 5 Main Duties... 6 The Importance of Safety in Canada... 7 Terms & Conditions... 7 Earnings... 7 Education/Training... 8 Employment Requirements... 8 Career Paths... 8 Employment Opportunities... 9 Professional Associations and Unions... 9 References

4 Introduction Automotive Painters work in a variety of settings in Manitoba. Knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an automotive painter is necessary when thinking about enrolling in technical training. The information provided in this booklet will assist you in your studies and will increase your awareness of roles and responsibilities of automotive painters. A detailed description of job duties, employment requirements, skills, education and training are all included int his package. Description Painters and coaters in this group maintain and operate machines or use brushes and spray equipment to apply paint, enamel, lacquer or other non-metallic protective and decorative coatings to surfaces of various products. They are employed by manufacturing companies, specialized coating shops and refi nishing establishments. Automotive paints are classifed under the National Occupation Classifi cation (NOC) #9496. Example Titles autobody repairer automotive body mechanic automotive painter - motor vehicle repair automotive painter apprentice motor vehicle body repairer apprentice motor vehicle body technician painter - motor vehicle repair Where They Find Work Automotive Painters will primarily fi nd work with automotive dealers, automobile body repair companies, automobile appraisal centres, and motor vehicle manufacturers. Language Requirements Automotive Painters should be able to communicate clearly in English to do their job well. It is very important that you have good oral communication skills so you can communicate well with employers, your co-workers and with your clients. It is important to note that language requirements and test requirements vary in different colleges. Contact the colleges to see what is required. 4

5 Recommended Canadian Language Benchmark Levels for Automotive Painters 1 Speaking Listening Reading Writing Recommended TOEFL scores 2 Paper Based Computer Based Internet Based For those individuals where English is an Additional Language (EAL), it is recommended that you take a Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test to determine your level of English, and to see which English classes are available to you. Contact the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre for an appointment: Skills Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre 4th Floor Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3 Phone: Automotive Painters need the following skills and abilities: Knowledge of the tools materials, equipment and techniques of the trade. Ability to mix and blend paints. Skill in the use of tools, materials and equipment of the trade, including the use of a spray gun, laying out and making of stencils, processing of signs using silk screen method, lettering, work with gold leaf, and striping on automotive equipment, furniture, or similar striping work. Physical strength and stamina. Manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude. Good colour vision. Creativity and an eye for detail. Patience to focus on precise work. An interest in keeping up to date on latest techniques and materials. 1 Note: This training program has not been formally benchmarked 2 These are the current TOEFL entrance requirements at some colleges. 5

6 Awareness of safe working procedures. Good interpersonal skills in working with co-workers and customers. Basic mathematics and computer skills. Ability to read technical manuals. Ability to work alone or as a member of a team. Must have a valid Manitoba driver s licence. Do you have many of these skills? Main Duties Automotive Painters perform some or all of the following duties: Select appropriate paint or mix paints using automated paint mixing equipment Tend or operate equipment to clean, wash, strip, sand, remove corrosion, fi ll dents or otherwise prepare items for application of paint, lacquer or other protective or decorative coatings Tend or operate automated spray paint, dip or fl ow coating equipment or other mechanized painting or product coating application equipment Operate hand-held spray guns to spray paint or coat stationary items or items on moving conveyor system with protective or decorative coatings Paint small items and apply touch-ups using paint brushes Clean and maintain painting and coating, ventilation, compressed air and personal protective equipment May prepare and apply stencils, computer-generated decals or other decorative items on fi nished products. Do you think you would enjoy doing the work described above? 6

7 Importance of Safety in Canada Safety in the workplace is very important in Canada. If your employer fi nds out that you are not listening to the safety rules, you may be fi red immediately. The company is responsible for: Training employees how to work safely. Telling employees about things that are dangerous in the workplace. Giving employees safety equipment and making sure they wear it. The employee is responsible for: Following the company s safety rules (sometimes called policies ). Wearing safety equipment. Telling the supervisor if they see something dangerous. Not doing anything that they think is unsafe. It is your responsibility to ask questions when you don t understand. For more information: Terms & Conditions Automotive Painters work in an indoor environment. They may use dangerous chemical substances, and there is the possibility of injury from tools and equipment. While most auto body shops are well ventilated, the work involves exposure to dust and fumes. Automotive Painters work in awkward or cramped positions and stand for extended periods while working on vehicles. Automotive Painters normally work a 35 to 40 hour week with occasional overtime. In some cases mechanics may be expected to provide their own hand tools. Earnings 3 In Manitoba $21,840 per annum - starting (fi rst year) $35,000 per annum - average $45,760 per annum - high 3 These earnings refl ect numbers from 2008, retrieved from Manitoba Job Futures, 7

8 Education / Training It is strongly recommended that to enter your apprenticeship program and to succeed you should have Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing. However, if you do not have the required educational standing and are at least 19 years of age, you may qualify as a Mature Student based on an assessment of your previous skills and training. The following institutions offer training in this field: Red River College offers a one year certifi cate program in Collision Repair and Refi nishing. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to repair damaged vehicles, including all phases of autobody repair and painting. Red River College offers a Collision Refi nishing 14-week certifi cate program, which can provide possible entrance into apprenticeship levels upon completion and employment. Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Autobody. Employment Requirements Completion of secondary school is usually required. Employers may require completion of a high school or college automotive body repair program. Some employers will require new workers to have a basic set of hand tools. Several months of on-the-job training are usually provided. Career Paths Workers often enter this occupation through helper jobs. Interest in autobody mechanics or body work is often gained through work on one s own vehicles. Autobody mechanics may specialize in one aspect of the work, for example, those with painting skills may move to industrial painting positions. Experienced workers may advance to supervisory positions or become automobile damage appraisers for purposes of insurance claims. Some workers start their own businesses. 8

9 Employment Opportunities Employment prospects for Automotive Painters in the period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2008 is estimated at 1,545. Employment is somewhat sensitive to changes in economic activity. Given the positive outlook for the Manitoba economy and the attractive fi nancing options available, the number of vehicles in Manitoba will likely continue to increase over the outlook period. More vehicles on the road creates more demand for automotive paint services, including damage caused by accidents, road driving conditions, hail storms, and auto thefts. Professional Associations and Unions Automotive Trades Association (Man.) Inc., 1456 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2A7, Telephone: (204) Manitoba Motor Dealers Association, Century Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0Y4, Canadian Automotive Repair & Service Council (CARS), 9120 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3J9, References Manitoba Job Futures, retrieved, June 5, Service Canada, retrieved, November 15, Updated: March 2009