Trade Programs: Truck and Transport Mechanic

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

What does a Truck and Transport Mechanic do?

A Truck and Transport Mechanic is certified to maintain, service, repair and modify transport trucks and their components. They also service emergency vehicles, farm and gravel trucks, public transport and school buses, public utility vehicles, semi-trailer trucks and truck tractors.

An apprentice training to be a certified mechanic learns to:

• use sophisticated diagnostic equipment and techniques to service electrical/electronic system faults and perform component replacements
• service basic fuel and fuel injection systems, electrical and suspension systems, air conditioning, emission controls and power assist
• service and repair engines, braking systems, air brakes, steering components, drive lines and differentials
• disassemble, align, fit and machine parts with hand or power tools
• assemble, install, repair and maintain equipment involving transmission servicing, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, heating and refrigeration units
• rebuild, adjust and service a variety of components such as engine pistons and connecting rods, cylinders, cylinder head valves, camshafts, crankshafts and time gears
• and steering components
• repair and replace frames, axles, hubs, tires and wheels and coupling units
• calibrate electrical test equipment

What skills does a Truck and Transport Mechanic need?

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 communications and analytical skills and adaptability or flexibility are also important.

How long is apprenticeship training?

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.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

For each level of apprenticeship, apprentices attend school for blocks of time. Courses are designed to teach theory and practical work in the areas of mechanics, standard and automatic transmissions, electrical, brake and steering systems, gas and diesel engine overhaul, rear axles, suspension and servicing of equipment. Included are a number of related trade courses such as arc and gas welding, mathematics, science and communication. 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.

Note: If you are certified as a heavy duty mechanic, agriculture equipment technician, transport truck mechanic or motor vehicle mechanic you may qualify for certification as a truck and transport mechanic.

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

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

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

• 35 per cent during level one
• 55 per cent during level two
• 75 per cent during level three
• 95 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 the career prospects?

Mechanics find employment in the agricultural, construction or transportation sectors of industry. Specifically this can include truck/transport dealerships, independent repair shops, general or specialty repair centres, transport/truck component dealerships as well as trucking firms and fleets.