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.
For more information, see Red Seal Trades – Automotive Service Technician
