Scope

Automotive service technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair engines, vehicle management systems, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, suspension, electrical systems, HVAC systems, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks.

Automotive service technicians may be employed by automotive repair shops, dealerships, automotive specialty repair shops, large organizations that may own a fleet of vehicles and motor vehicle body repair companies.

While the scope of the automotive service technician trade includes many aspects of vehicle repair, many technicians specialize in particular areas of repair due to the complexity of today’s motor vehicles.

Technicians usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts and vibrations. Good physical condition and agility are important because the work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling and reaching.

Some important attributes of automotive service technicians are: good hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, time management skills, logical thinking and decision making skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to educate themselves as technology advances.

Experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop foreman or service manager positions. Some technicians may open their own garage or automotive specialty shop. With additional training, technicians can transfer their skills and knowledge to related occupations such as automotive instructor, partsperson, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician or heavy duty equipment technician.

Observations

The automotive industry is in constant evolution. Automotive service technicians must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become more and more complex. Ongoing training is necessary to update knowledge of new technologies. Technicians may upgrade their skills on-line, through video conferencing, satellite training and classroom delivery.

Computers are an integrated part of automobiles. Today, electronic systems and computers are essential to vehicle operation and also measure their performance. Automotive service technicians have developed into advanced technology diagnosticians. They require knowledge of all systems and their interaction to diagnose the cause of faults. Technicians frequently use electronic diagnostic and testing equipment.

Personal computers are also used by automotive service technicians to store and access reference materials. They provide automatic updates to keep technicians current on new technologies and procedures. In both large and small operations, technicians may have access to their own terminal to view work orders, reference material and manufacturers’ information about the vehicle.

Many technicians specialize in particular areas of repair. Some technicians are trained and work exclusively on certain makes of vehicles. Specialization of technicians helps to reduce the time of diagnosis and repair.

New alternate fuelled vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, electric fuel cells, natural gas, solar power, propane and other non petroleum-based sources will require additional training for technicians as they become more commonly used by consumers. New technology is yielding an increase of consumer purchasing of hybrid vehicles.

There is increasing awareness of personal safety regulations and standards.

Environmental concerns have changed the industry both with stricter emission controls and the disposal and recycling of materials.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers and employees. It is imperative that all parties are aware of circumstances and conditions that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and work environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that a safety-conscious attitude and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspect relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

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