Description of the Automotive Service Technician Trade
“Automotive Service Technician” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by automotive service technicians.
Automotive service technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose faults and repair automotive vehicle, light truck, hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle systems. These systems include engines, vehicle management, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, advanced driver assistance systems [ADAS]), electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), restraints, trim and accessories.
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 service and repair, an increasing number of technicians specialize in specific areas of automotive vehicle repair due to the complexity of today’s motor vehicle systems.
Technicians usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts, vibrations, and confined spaces. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling and reaching. Safe work practices must be observed.
Some important attributes of automotive service technicians are: good hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, time management skills, logical, analytical and critical thinking and decision-making skills, excellent communication and mentoring skills, computer skills and the ability to continue learning as technology advances. It is also imperative to have a valid driver’s licence.
With additional training, experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop supervisor or service manager positions. Technicians can transfer their skills and knowledge to related occupations such as automotive instructor, industry parts and equipment representative, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician or heavy duty equipment technician. Some technicians may open their own garage or automotive specialty shop.