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Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers  (NOC 7321)
Cape Breton Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Automotive service technicians and truck and bus mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail establishments which have automotive service shops. This unit group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturing companies.

automobile mechanic, automotive service technician, automotive service technician apprentice, bus mechanic, car mechanic, mechanical upgrader – motor vehicle manufacturing, motor repairer – motor vehicle manufacturing, motor vehicle mechanic, transmission mechanic, truck and transport mechanic, truck-trailer repairer, tune-up specialist – motor vehicle.

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Automotive service technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor
  • Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults
  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications
  • Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
  • Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.
Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing, perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions
  • Diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit
  • Repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools
  • Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance
  • Complete reports to record problems and work performed.
Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems
  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of truck-trailer systems including structural, brake and electrical systems.

Workers in this unit group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Belgiumtown, Bras d'Or, Bridgeport, Caledonia, Centreville Reserve Mines, Dominion, East Slope, Florence, Gannon Road, Glace Bay, Havenside, Hub, Kaneville, Little Bras d'Or, Louisbourg, McKays Corner, McLeods Crossing, Morien Hill, New Aberdeen, New Victoria, New Waterford, North Sydney, Passchendaele, Reserve Mines, Reserve Rows, River Ryan, Scotchtown, Steeles Hill, Sterling, Sydney Mines, Table Head, Tomkinsville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers in Cape Breton Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers in Cape Breton Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Cape Breton Region Good 2012-08-31

Currently the chances of qualified Mechanics finding employment are considered to be good in the local area. Skilled automotive technicians can usually find employment. There continues to be vacancies advertised for technicians, and some local employers have noted having difficulty in recruiting bus and truck mechanics. Journeyman auto technicians require good diagnostic skills, as more computer and electronic systems are now in vehicles. Technicians must keep pace with ongoing changes in technology in the automotive industry. In addition to private sector opportunities, the local Canadian Forces Reserve has been recruiting motor vehicle technicians during the past year.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Mechanics in Nova Scotia is expected to be good over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Mechanics (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.