HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single required pathway listed for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and province. Many people start with secondary school and learn through on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer applicants with basic mechanical experience, a strong interest in vehicles, or exposure to shop tools and safety practices. As workers gain experience, they may take on a wider range of service tasks or support mechanics with more complex work. Because the occupation appears in retail, repair, construction, and industrial settings, the best route can depend on the type of employer and the kind of equipment being serviced.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Change engine oil and lubricate running gears or moving parts of automobiles, trucks and heavy equipment
- Grease booms, pulleys, buckets and other components of heavy equipment
- Replace oil, air and fuel filters on motor vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment
- Install replacement mufflers, exhaust pipes, shock absorbers or radiators on motor vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment
- Repair and balance tires
- Add or replace hydraulic and transmission fluids in motor vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment
- Assist mechanics and perform other duties as directed
- Drive automobile or service truck to location of construction, logging or other industrial sites to provide services.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may begin in a shop, garage, or service yard. The worker checks the day’s jobs, gathers tools and parts, and starts with routine maintenance like oil changes, lubrication, and filter replacement. Later, they might repair a tire, top up fluids, or install a replacement exhaust part or radiator. If the job is mobile service, they may travel by service truck to a work site and complete repairs there. Throughout the day, they follow instructions from a supervisor or mechanic, keep the work area organized, and make sure each vehicle or machine is safe to return to service. The pace can be steady and physical.
SKILLS TO BUILD