Automobile Accessories Installer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Motor Vehicle Assemblers (9482.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers (J212) 
• 2011 NOC: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers (9522) 

Automobile accessories installers may specialize in certain types of vehicles or certain types of accessories. For example, they may work mostly on cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles or motorhomes. Or they may specialize in installing after-market products such as:

• alarms
• remote starters
• audio or other electronic systems
• mirrors
• truck running boards
• spoilers
• film for tinting windows
• upholstery
• back-up cameras
• hands-free communication systems.

Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, automobile accessories installers:

• remove and re-install vehicle interior parts
• drill and tap holes to mount accessories
• custom build accessories such as speaker enclosures, panels and truck box liners
• bolt, screw, clip, weld or solder parts together
• assemble and fit accessories to vehicles
• maintain their own equipment
• keep their work area clean
• read and understand vehicle diagrams
• use computers and computer software
• conduct diagnostic testing
• provide customer service
• attend car and trade shows, sales events and car audio competitions.

Installers may keep records. They compute charges for labour and materials.

Some installers specialize in areas such as electronic systems and upholstery.

Electronic systems installers diagnose and install electronic devices. They study circuit diagrams and test wiring and other parts to find out what needs to be replaced or repaired. They may work with parts such as:

• remote starters
• car audio systems
• alarm systems.

Upholstery installers work with materials for upholstery and covers. They may measure, cut and sew the materials. They also may adjust or replace seat springs.

Most automobile accessories installers work a 40-hour, 5-day week. They may need to work some evenings, weekends or holidays. The work sometimes is noisy and dirty. There is some risk of injury involved in working with power tools. Automobile accessories installers need to be careful when working near exhaust gases.

Automobile accessories installers need to possess:

• good eyesight
• manual dexterity
• mechanical interest and aptitude
• good communication skills
• good organizational skills
• an ability to visualize 3-dimensional objects
• an ability to analyze problems
• a willingness to keep up to date with technology.

They should enjoy using power tools, operating equipment and taking a methodical approach to their work. They also should enjoy fitting and adjusting parts.

Automobile accessories installers are employed by automotive specialty shops.

Experienced installers may advance to service manager or shop foreperson positions. Some start their own businesses. Others purchase existing businesses.

Automobile accessories installers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9522: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Manufacturing [pdf]
• Retail Trade [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. 

Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) website: www.mecp.com

Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta website: mdaalberta.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.