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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.
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