Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada Automotive Service Technicians
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 Sarah McDowell, Independent Contractor Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College Don Chadney, Motor Vehicle/Mechanical Repair 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 reflect 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 the Winnipeg Technical College at 989-6500 or www.wtc.mb.ca if you have questions about the contents of this document 2
Table of Contents Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Description -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Where They Find Work ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Language Requirements --------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Skills----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Main Duties-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 The Importance of Safety in Canada------------------------------------------------ 8 Terms & Conditions --------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Earnings------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 Education/Training----------------------------------------------------------------------10 Employment Requirements-----------------------------------------------------------13 Career Paths -----------------------------------------------------------------------------13 Employment Opportunities -----------------------------------------------------------14 Professional Associations ------------------------------------------------------------14 References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------14 3
Introduction Automotive service technicians work in a variety of settings in Manitoba. Knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an automotive service technician 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 the roles and responsibilities of automotive service technicians. A detailed description of job duties, employment requirements, skills, education and training are all included in this package. Description Automotive service technicians inspect, find problems, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses and trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers (e.g., Hyundai, Honda, Ford, etc.), garages and service stations, automotive specialty shops and retail establishments, which have automotive service shops. Automotive service technicians are classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) #7321 Examples of titles: Automobile mechanic Motor repairer - motor vehicle Automotive service technician manufacturing apprentice Motor vehicle mechanic Automotive service technician Transmission mechanic Bus mechanic Truck and transport mechanic Bar mechanic Truck-trailer repairer Mechanical upgrader - motor vehicle manufacturing Tune-up specialist, motor vehicle 4
Where They Find Work 1 Other than motor vehicle dealers, garages and service stations work can be found in the automotive retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, motor vehicle parts manufacturing and rental and leasing businesses. The highest concentration of employment is in Alberta and Prince Edward Island. Language Requirements It is important as an automotive service technician to be able to speak, listen, read and write English. It is very important to employers that you can communicate well orally, with them and with your customers. A high level of reading is also required. It is important to note that language entrance requirements and test requirements vary in different colleges. Contact the colleges to see what is required. Recommended Canadian Language Benchmark Levels for Motor Vehicle Mechanics 2 Listening Speaking Reading Writing 6 6 7 6 Recommended TOEFL scores 3 Paper Based Computer Based Internet Based 550 213 80 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. 1 www.jobfutures.ca 2 www.gov.mb.ca Note: This occupation/training has not been formally benchmarked. 3 These are the current TOEFL entrance requirements at some colleges. 5
Contact the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre for an appointment: Skills Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre 400-275 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3 Phone: 204-943-5387 Automotive service technicians need the following skills and abilities: Interest in mechanical/electronic systems and in motor vehicles Good problem-solving skills Good vision, hearing and sense of smell Manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude Ability to communicate well in English Ability to get along well with co-workers and customers Ability to read technical diagrams and instructions Good calculating skills Ability to understand and use computerized systems Ability to drive a range of vehicles Ability to keep working area tidy Concern for safety and a responsible work attitude Interest in keeping up-to-date with technology Physical fitness and strength Do you have many of these skills? 6
Main Duties Automotive service technicians perform some or all of the following duties: Review work orders (what needs to be fixed on the vehicle) and discuss work with supervisor Check motors that are running, road test motor vehicles, and test automotive systems and components using testing devices to find the problem in the vehicle (See Automotive Service Terminology package for a detailed list of automotive systems.) Change, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems, including fuel, brake, steering and suspension systems, transmissions, differentials, drive axles and shafts, emission control and exhaust systems, engines and electrical, cooling and climate control systems by using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment Test and change repaired systems to the required standards Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune-ups Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements Follow safety procedures Automotive service technicians may specialize in one of the following areas: engine and fuel systems; transmission systems; air conditioning; cooling and heating systems; brakes; drive lines; suspension; electrical and electronic systems, or diagnostic services. Do you think you would enjoy doing the work described above? 7
The Importance of Safety in Canada Safety in the workplace is very important in Canada. If your employer sees you are not listening to the safety rules, you may be fired 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 make 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 that is dangerous Not doing anything that they think is unsafe It is your responsibility to ask questions when you don t understand. For more information: www.safemanitoba.com Terms & Conditions The work environment for automotive service technicians is normally indoors in a garage (service bay). They work among equipment, machinery and tools, where there is a lot of noise and strong smells. Mechanics normally work a regular 35 to 40 hour week; sometimes they will work overtime (more than 40 hours in one week). Automotive service technicians are paid either an hourly rate or a flat rate. A flat rate is based on a predetermined amount of time that the repair should take. Manitoba's 8
Transport Truck regulations state that transport truck mechanic apprentices, while not attending technical school, shall receive no less than the provincial minimum wage plus: 15% during the first year of apprenticeship 35% during the second year of apprenticeship 55% during the third year of apprenticeship 75% during the fourth year of apprenticeship If an apprentice is working where there is a collective agreement and the wage specified under the agreement is higher than the regulated wage, the apprentice shall be paid at the rate specified in the collective agreement. Automotive service technicians must have their own hand tools, so apprentices should begin purchasing tools as soon as they start in the trade. Earnings In Manitoba $20,800.00 per annum - starting (first year of apprenticeship) $35,000.00 per annum - average $47,000.00 per annum - high (Red Seal Certified) Average in Canada Hourly wage: $17.24 to $18.38 9
Education / Training Apprenticeship A formal apprenticeship program (Automotive Service Technician) is available. To become a certified Automotive Service Technician in Manitoba, you must complete an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training. You must be at least 16 years of age and have a Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing with credits in mathematics and science. Network, network, network! 4 Here are some tips on how to find an employer who is participating in an apprenticeship program. Go to where automotive service technicians are employed Ask your career counsellor for advice. Check with trade associations to see if they know any employers who are looking for an apprentice. (See page 14) Tell people you know that you are looking for a job. Carry a resume with you everywhere. Ask to speak with a manager/supervisor and leave your resume with them even if they are not hiring. Get the names and phone numbers of the employers and managers/supervisors that you ve contacted. Contact them again after a FIND AN EMPLOYER You must find a qualified employer who will give you practical training and hire you fulltime. Approach this like any other job search. Remember that 80% of all job openings are never advertised. The employer must employ a certified journeyperson or a designated trainer who will mentor you throughout your on-the-job training. 4 www.gov.mb.ca/tradecareers 10
couple of weeks. This tells them that you really want the job. Once you have found an employer to hire you, you ll need to register as an apprentice. Either you or your employer must complete an Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, which will require information and signatures from both of you. If you are not a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident, a work permit and/or study permit will also be required. To confirm specific details of your apprenticeship training, arrange to meet with the trade specific Apprenticeship Training Coordinator who will outline: The length of the training program The skills that must be learned The pay (wages) The apprenticeship for motor vehicle mechanics is four years, or a combination of several years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in automotive technology. Training and in-school instruction is a minimum 1,800 hours per year. About 80% of your time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a journeyperson. The remaining 20% consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of your trade. When you successfully complete all the practical and technical requirements of apprenticeship training and score 70% or better on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification, confirming your status as a journeyperson. You also qualify for interprovincial, or "Red Seal" standing that, subject to local regulations, allows you to work across Canada where the "Red Seal" certificate is recognized. If you now work in this field and want to become a fully qualified journeyperson, you can receive credit for previous job experience and training and qualify for certification by passing a theory and practical Trades Qualification Exam. If you do not meet exam requirements, upgrading courses are available. 11
Advantages for Employment & Certification Options Completion of a four-year motor vehicle mechanic apprenticeship program or 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 Automotive service technician trade certification is voluntary in Manitoba Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified automobile mechanics and truck and transport mechanics Training on electronic fuel injection engines, on-board computers and electronic systems will increase your chance at getting a job. The following institutions offer related training in this field: Assiniboine Community College offers a 10-month Automotive Technician certificate. Red River College offers a Motor Vehicle Mechanic/Ford Automotive Student Services Educational Training (ASSET) Apprenticeship program. The Ford ASSET program enables highly motivated people to fast-start their career as a Quality Care Service Technician. ASSET is a two-part program. It is divided between four eight-week sessions of classroom instruction at Red River College, and three ten-month sessions of paid work experience at a sponsoring dealership. Ford ensures students use only the latest in technology and vehicles. Potential students must contact the service manager at a local dealership to obtain sponsorship. Red River College offers a one-year Automotive Service Technician certificate. Red River College offers a one-year Automotive Service Technician diploma. The program is designed to meet the demand for training in new technology. It supplements current Automotive Technician Certificate programs and will prepare graduates to work in the electronic technician field. 12
University College of the North offers a one-year Automotive Technician certificate. Graduates qualify to apply for the second year of the Automotive Technician diploma program offered by Red River College. Any individual who successfully completes this program with a passing grade of 70% or more and registers as an apprentice within two years of completing this program will be granted Level 1 of the associated Apprenticeship program. Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Mechanics. Employment Requirements Completion of secondary school is usually required Diagnostic and problem-solving skills and knowledge of electronics and mathematics Ability to adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated Some employers will require new workers to have a basic set of hand tools. (See Automotive Service Terminology package for pictures of tools.) Career Paths Beginners usually start as trainee technicians, mechanics' helpers, lubrication workers or gasoline service station attendants. With additional training, automotive service technicians can transfer their skills to related occupations, such as automotive instructor, parts clerk, farm equipment mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic. Experienced Technicians may advance to service manager or shop foreman positions. Some automotive service technicians open their own garages, service stations or automobile performance shops. Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified motor vehicle mechanics, truck and transport mechanics, and transport trailer mechanics. 13
Employment Opportunities Employment prospects for automotive service technicians, truck mechanics and mechanical repairers in the 2008 to 2012 period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2008 is estimated at 4,930. Mechanics are expected to be in demand for years ahead. Employment opportunities will be best for those with training on electronic fuel injection engines, on-board computers and electronic systems. Professional Associations Automotive Trades Association (Man.) Inc., 1456 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2A7, (204) 475-3235 Manitoba Motor Dealers Association, 230-530 Century Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0Y4, www.mmda.mb.ca Canadian Automotive Repair & Service Council (CARS). Phone. 613-798-0500. www.cars-council.ca References Manitoba Labour and Immigration (2003). Canadian Language Benchmarks: A Summary of Courses, Programs, Occupations and Tests that have been Benchmarked in Manitoba. Retrieved March 2, 2006, from www.gov.mb.ca Manitoba Advanced Education and Training (2008). Job Futures Manitoba. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from http://mb.jobfutures.org Manitoba Competitiveness, Training and Trade. Retrieved April11, 2008, from www.gov.mb.ca Updated: April 2008 14