Automotive Service Technician

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: Automotive Service Technicians (7321.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Automotive Service Technicians, Truck Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers (H421) 
• 2011 NOC: Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (7321) 

Automotive service technicians adjust, test and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and air-conditioning systems, and do wheel alignments. In large shops, they sometimes specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts (for example, transmissions, engines, electrical components). In smaller shops, they may work on a wider variety of repair jobs.

Automotive service technicians begin by reading the work order and examining the vehicle. To locate the cause of faulty operation and repair it, they:

• use testing equipment, take the vehicle for a test drive or refer to manufacturers' specifications and manuals
• dismantle faulty assemblies and repair or replace worn or damaged parts
• reassemble, adjust and test the repaired mechanism.

Automotive service technicians also may:

• provide scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements.

Most automotive service technicians work a 40 hour, five day week. Some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required. The work is sometimes noisy and dirty. There is some risk of injury when working with power tools and from exposure to exhaust gas fumes. It is important for automotive service technicians to wear appropriate safety attire when working.

Automotive service technicians may be required to lift and move items that weigh up to 25 kilograms.

Automotive service technicians need the following characteristics:

• good hearing, eyesight and manual dexterity
• mechanical aptitude and interest
• the ability to keep up to date with changing technology.

They should enjoy performing tasks that require precision and working independently.

Automotive service technicians are employed by automotive repair shops, specialty repair shops, service facilities, car and truck dealerships, and large organizations that own fleets of vehicles.

Experienced automotive service technicians may advance to service manager or shop foreman positions. Some automotive service technicians open their own repair facilities. Alberta certified journeyperson automotive service technicians who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. 

Automotive service technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7321: Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Other Services (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)

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

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 17,000 Albertans are employed in the Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 306 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As automotive service technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for automotive service technicians.

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

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta website: www.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.