Motive Power & Transportation

Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics

Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics make sure that planes get up, stay up and land safely. Maintaining detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports are critical: it helps Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics anticipate problems. They maintain and test mechanical and hydraulic systems (these control the rudder and wing flaps), as well as fix up the overall structure of airplanes.

Mechanics can specialize in different types of maintenance, including helicopters, as well as large, small and sea planes. Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics often work during the evening and night when airplanes are not in use; shift work, overtime and being on-call are common aspects of the job. Some Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics work away from home in remote locations for extended periods of time.

Where do Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics work?

Large and small air carriers
Aircraft repair and overhaul companies
Flight training schools
Aeronautical product manufacturers
Component shops

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics?

An apprenticship training program exists in Ontario for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, but certification is not compulsory.
Once these mechanics have gained experience, they write exams to be certified as licensed Aircraft Maintence Engineers, which allows them to verify airworthiness. Exams for this feild are issue through Transport Canada.
Many companies provide ongoing compulsory and voluntary training courses to help their aircraft maintenance mechanics upgrade and update their qualifications. To remain valid, a license must be renewed every five years and the holder must meet current requirements.

Average Hourly Earnings: $28/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

Aircraft Inspector
Aircraft Structural Repair Technician
Certified Aircraft Technician
Aviation Mechanical Component Shop Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Aircraft Systems Inspector
Hydraulic Mechanic

For more information, check out:

Canadian Pastry Chef Guild

Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA)

www.avaerocouncil.ca

Automotive Painters

These professionals make your vehicle look shiny and new after your vehicle is damaged in a collision. They can also create special effects or change the colour of your vehicle.

Duties:

Apply waterborne basecoat and clearcoat to create a factory-quality finish.
Colour matching.
Measure and mix paint.
Polish vehicles, remove scratches and imperfections.
Prepare surface of vehicle for paint application.
Mask and tape for multi-tone paint work and protective requirements.
Use equipment, brush or spray guns to apply primer, paint, enamel, lacquer or other non-metallic protective and decorative coatings to automobiles.
Create special effects, or add pinstripes or graphics.
Safely operate a paint booth and fresh-air breathing equipment.

Where do Automotive Painters work?

Collision repair facilities
Auto manufacturers
Auto dealers
Paint manufacturers
Equipment manufacturers

What kind of education, training and experience is required to be an Automotive Painter?

College diploma (optional).
A two-year apprenticeship is available, but optional
Paint manufacturer training and certification.
A Certificate of Qualification is optional.
Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $21.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage of someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out

CCIF Skills Program

Telephone: 905-628-3041

www.ccifskillsprogram.com

Automotive Partspersons

An Automotive Partsperson is responsible for ordering, warehousing, inventory control and sales of parts and accessories for the automotive, commercial transport, heavy duty, marine and related trades. This role includes both wholesale and retail orders. Paying close attention to detail, you will be counted on to make sure what is needed is there.

Other things you would do:

An Automotive Partsperson performs some or all of the following duties

Order parts and keep track of inventory.
Receive orders and ensure accuracy.
Set up and use a storage system for receiving.
Pricing.
Provide assistance and sell parts over the counter.

Where does an Automotive Partsperson work?

Automotive, heavy equipment, truck and parts distribution companies
Business/government

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Partsperson?

A secondary school diploma is recommended. You may also need some specialized training after high school, along with some work experience.
To be a parts clerk, you may be required to complete a three-year apprenticeship program or specialized high school training and a one-year college course.
Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces except Ontario.
Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $19/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS)

Telephone: 1-855-813-2101

www.carsondemand.com

Automotive Service Technicians

Auto Service Technicians fix and service all the mechanical and electronic parts and systems of a car. Sometimes they specialize in one complicated system, like the brakes, transmission or air conditioning.

Where do Automotive Service Technicians work?

Motor vehicle dealers
Motor vehicle manufacturers
Trucking firms
Automotive specialty and retail organizations
Automobile body repair companies or appraisal centres
Garages or service stations
Public transit authorities

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be an Automotive Service Technician?

To get trade certification (required in some provinces, but voluntary in others), Automotive Service Technicians and Motor Vehicle Mechanics must complete a four year apprenticship..
Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.
Mechanical repairers in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry require two to three years of on-the-job training

Average Hourly Earnings: $23.63/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

Automobile Mechanic
Automotive Service Technician
Bus Mechanic
Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Automotive Service Technician Apprentice
Mechanical Upgrader - Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Motor Repairer - Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Tune-up Specialist - Motor Vehicle

For more information, check out

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS)

Telephone: 1-855-813-2101

www.carsondemand.com

Auto Collision Repair

These professionals restore the look and safety features of your vehicle while easing the stress of an unfortunate situation.

Duties

Assess vehicle damage
Measure and repair vehicle frames and unibodies.
Review computerized vehicle specifications and repair procedures.
Repair and replace dented and damaged vehicle parts.
Safely operate a wide variety of tools and equipment.

Where do Auto Collision Repairers work?

Collision repair facilities
Insurance companies
Vehicle restoration companies
Auto manufacturers
Auto dealers

What kind of education, training and experience is required?

High school diploma or equivalent.
College diploma.
A four-to-five year apprenticeship.
A Certificate of Qualification is mandatory.
Apprentices in this trade are able to apply for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. Apprentices may also be able to apply for the Tradesperson’s Tools Tax Deduction.
Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $21.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

Licensed Autobody Technician
Autobody Repairer

For more information, check out

CCIF Skills Program

Telephone: 905-628-3041

www.ccifskillsprogram.com

Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics

Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics test, diagnose and repair equipment. You’ll also keep the big machines running by testing, diagnosing and repairing equipment.

Where do Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics work?

You’ll work for companies that use, rent or service bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment for:

Construction
Diamond mines
Forestry
Farming
Mining, oil and gas
Material handling
Landscaping and land clearing

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic?

A high school diploma is required. Most have a trade or vocational certificate or a college diploma, too.
How to get trade certification: complete a three-to-five year apprenticeship program or have a combination of more than four years of work experience and some high school, college or industry course in heavy equipment repair.
Farm Equipment Mechanic trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces except Quebec and the territories.
Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.
It’s a good idea to brush up on your computer skills, as the industry regularly uses computerized equipment.

Average Hourly Earnings: $28.89/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

Construction Equipment Mechanic
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Tractor Mechanic
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic Apprentice
Diesel Mechanic - Heavy Equipment
Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician
Locomotive Mechanic

For more information, check out:

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS)

Telephone: 1-855-813-2101

www.carsondemand.com

Small Engine Mechanics

Small Engine Mechanics test, fix and service motorcycles, snowmobiles, forklifts, lawn mowers and many other vehicles with small engines.

The following jobs are also included in this category

Oil and Solid Fuel Heating Mechanics install and maintain oil, coal and wood heating systems in houses and businesses.
Electric Appliance Mechanics service and repair domestic appliances like fridges and ovens.
Electrical Mechanics test, maintain and fix electric motors, transformers, switchgears and other electrical machines. Sometimes they specialize in particular products or functions.

Where do Small Engine Mechanics work?

Heating systems installation or service companies
Appliance service companies
Electrical or other repair shops.
Electrical equipment manufacturer service shops
Maintenance and repair departments of retail, wholesale or manufacturing companies
Motorcycle dealers
Independent service organizations
Self-employment

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Small Engine Mechanic?

A high school diploma is required. Many new recruits have a trade or vocational certificate or a community college diploma, too.
Get trade certification by completing a three-to-four year apprenticeship or a combination of job experience and college or other courses. Some provinces require you to be certified.

Average Hourly Earnings: $18.75/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS)

Telephone: 1-855-813-2101

www.carsondemand.com

Truck and Coach Mechanics

A Truck and Coach Mechanic is certified to maintain, service, repair and modify transport trucks and their components. They also service emergency vehicles, farm and gravel trucks, public transport and school buses, public utility vehicles, semi-trailer trucks and truck tractors.

Duties:

Detect and diagnose operating problems in frames and steering mechanisms, engines, transmissions, brakes, ignition, axles, fuel systems, engine management systems, suspension systems, electrical/electronic systems, emission control systems and air conditioning/refrigeration systems.
Adjust, overhaul, repair and reassemble engines, transmissions, clutches, rear ends, differentials, brakes, drive shafts, axles and other assemblies.
Diagnose and isolate faults by using diagnostic equipment.
Communicate effectively with co-workers, customers and service managers.
Read and interpret owner/operator/manufacturer operating manuals and service specifications.

Where do Truck and Coach Mechanics work?

Repair shops
Large fleet maintenance companies
Transportation and other companies which own and operate trucks
Aircraft and aircraft subassemblies
Municipally, provincially or privately owned coach companies
Construction or other material handling businesses

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Truck and Coach Mechanic?

This is a restricted trade in Ontario, requiring Grade 12, with credits in math and English. Courses such as in-school technical programs, co-op programs or pre-apprenticeship courses help, too.
Completion of a 9,000 hour apprenticeship program, followed by an examination to obtain a Certificate of Qualification.
Red Seal is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.
It’s a good idea to keep up to date on advances in technology and update your skills regularly.

Average Hourly Earnings: $21.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS)

Telephone: 1-855-813-2101

www.carsondemand.com

Ontario Trucking Association

555 Dixon Road

Toronto, ON M9W 1H8

Telephone: 416-249-7401

www.ontruck.org