Gas Turbine Repair and Overhaul Technician

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Gas Turbine Repair and Overhaul Technician Do?

An gas turbine repair and overhaul technician works in a facility that has a dedicated engine overhaul, heavy maintenance or repair shop that is capable of disassembly, inspection and reassembly of internal engine components using engine manuals and engine-specific tooling.

What skills/abilities are required?

Gas turbine repair and overhaul technicians must have good literacy and numeracy skills. Technicians need to be able to refer to and follow the technical manuals that are written in abbreviated language, read and understand technical references and interpret technical drawings. Problem solving skills are important in handling challenging and complex engine system defects. Sound knowledge of engine systems, aerodynamics and basic applied mechanics are also required and computer skills are important.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is three years consisting of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training

What is taught during in-school technical training?

During each level of training, apprentices attend periods of school training that is designed to enhance and reinforce the practical experience learned on the job.

Apprentice Gas Turbine Repair and Overhaul Technicians must take some theory instruction during each level of their apprenticeship training. Subjects include:

• Safety and Safe Work Practices
• Engine Inspection
• Engine Disassembly
• Parts, Modules and Sections Inspection
• Engine Assembly
• Engine Testing
• Engine Dispatch

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson or designated trainer in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required including recommended courses in Math and Physics. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: Not available in this trade.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write a provincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a provincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Gas turbine repair and overhaul technicians are found in various aircraft manufacturing facilities.

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