Trade Programs: Motor Vehicle Mechanic

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

What does a Motor Vehicle Mechanic do?

A motor vehicle mechanic diagnoses malfunctions and repairs automobiles, buses, and trucks to standards of safe and reliable operation.

They adjust, test, repair and rebuild:

• engines, steering and braking systems
• drive trains, vehicle suspensions and frames
• electrical and air conditioning systems
• cooling and lubricating systems and power steering units
• clutches, transmissions and four-wheel drives
• body and chassis electric component and oil, temperature and gas regulating components

In large shops they may specialize in repairing, rebuilding and serving specific parts such as braking systems, suspension and steering systems. In smaller shops, they may work on a wider variety of repair jobs. Motor vehicle mechanics begin a job by reading the work order and examining the vehicle. To locate the cause of faulty operation and determine repair they:

• must be able to setup and operate numerous pieces of test equipment to identify problems
• take the vehicle for a test drive if necessary, and for assistance refer to manufacturers' specifications and manuals
• dismantle faulty assemblies, repair or replace worn or damaged parts
• reassemble, adjust and test repaired mechanisms
• perform scheduled maintenance such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditioning and future repair requirements

What skills/abilities are required?

Motor vehicle mechanics must have a thorough knowledge of vehicles, from tires and headlights to the working components of gas or diesel powered engines. If you are interested in mechanics and motor vehicles, enjoy repair work and have a strong sense of responsibility, consider a career as a motor vehicle mechanic. The work is rewarding for those who enjoy doing precise work that is varied and challenging, and for individuals who like on-the-job security and feeling independent.

Good analytical and troubleshooting skills are important to isolate problems with assemblies, components and parts. Mechanics are expected to use sight, sound, feel and smell to find malfunctions. Since they speak with customers, good communication skills are also important. Basic computer skills and the ability to keep up with changing technology are crucial since technicians work on both early and late model vehicles.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years of four 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.

Motor vehicle mechanics must have their own hand tools so apprentices should begin purchasing tools as soon as they start in the trade.

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. Subjects include:

• Internal Combustion Engine
• Electrical, Electronic and Vacuum Control Systems
• Work Practices and Procedures
• Manual Transmissions/Transaxles
• Differentials and Drive Shafts
• Steering and Suspension Systems
• Automatic Transmissions
• Field and Engine Management Systems
• Braking and HVAC Systems

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 in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: 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 strongly recommended including a course in Math. A minimum of Grade 9 is required. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

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 an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Motor Vehicle Mechanic Trade Regulation states that when an apprentice is not taking technical training, an employer must pay the apprentice at least the provincial minimum wage plus:

• 15 per cent during level one
• 35 per cent during level two
• 55 per cent during level three
• 75 per cent during level four

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate 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. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are my career prospects?

Generally, this trade offers steady employment, year round. Most automotive service technicians work a flat rate system while others are paid a bi-weekly salary.

Automotive repair shops, specialty repair shops, service stations, car and truck dealerships, and large organizations that own fleets of vehicles employ mechanics. An experienced mechanic may advance to a service manager or shop foreman position. Some may open their own garages, service stations or automotive performance shops. With additional training, mechanics can transfer their skills to related occupations such as automotive instructor, partsperson, farm equipment mechanic or heavy duty equipment mechanic.