Trade Programs: Transport Trailer Technician

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

What does a transport trailer technician do?

A transport trailer technician is a person certified to service, repair, assemble and maintain transport trailers. A transport trailer is used to carry commercial or non-commercial goods.

Transport truck technicians must possess a wide range of skills. In addition to performing tasks related to sheet metal, frame repair and replacement, these individuals diagnose and service suspension and braking systems, heating and refrigeration units, electrical and hydraulic systems, axles, hubs, tires and wheels and coupling units. Some tasks overlap with responsibilities of other skilled trades such as refrigeration mechanics, welders, and truck body repairers and heavy duty mechanics.

Work activities include:

• using sophisticated diagnostic equipment and techniques
• repairing general trailers and tankers
• servicing hydraulic systems, power take-offs (PTOs) and electrical systems
• servicing suspension systems, braking systems, propane heaters and heating and refrigeration units
• operating and maintaining a variety of welding equipment
• making installations and adjustments to specifications with hand, cutting and power tools
• repairing and replacing axles, hubs, tires and wheels as well as coupling units, and landing gear

Once certified, a transport trailer technician will be able to:

• use and maintain tools and equipment safely
• interpret information in manufacturers’ service manuals and related service materials
• isolate electrical/electronic system faults
• know and comply with government and company policies and procedures, guidelines and standards
• use shop orders, tickets and trade-related references correctly
• use and calibrate electrical test equipment and diagnose electrical components

What skills/abilities are required?

The work involved can be physically demanding. A mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity are important qualifications for people working in this trade. Good physical condition and agility are also necessary because heavy lifting and climbing may sometimes be required. An understanding of computerized machinery, good communication and analytical skills and adaptability or flexibility are also important.

A transport trailer technician will always require the skills needed to remove, rebuild, adjust and install components. However, a good portion of a technician’s time will be spent on diagnostics using advanced testing equipment and logic, deductive reasoning to locate vehicle problems.

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?

Throughout this apprenticeship, you attend school for blocks of time each year. Courses are designed to provide the knowledge, attitudes and manipulative skills required for success in this occupation. This includes instruction on safety, work practices and procedures, brake systems, axles, tires, wheel hubs and rims, coupling units and landing gear, trailer bodies, and heating and refrigeration units.

Theory grades are determined by examinations in each course. Completed practical assignments are included in the evaluation of final grades.

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 required including a recommended course Math. 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?

As required under the Transport Trailer Technician Regulation, the rate of wages for an apprentice, while not attending technical courses shall not be less than the provincial minimum wage plus:

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

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 the career prospects?

Graduates have employment opportunities with fleet repair shops, trailer dealerships, general mechanical repair shops, manufacturer’s repair shops and specialized repair shops.

The diversity of the work means that transport trailer technicians will be exposed to continual changes in diagnosing and servicing techniques. Core skills involved in the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials will always be important. Transport trailer technicians will use more metric tools, fasteners and specialized measuring devices.