Easiest ways to Become a Mechanic in Canada

Are you a car lover who wants to take your passion to the highest level? Making the transition to becoming mechanics is an essential initial step. Each province or territory has its regulations and rules. For instance, it’s an entirely different procedure to become an auto mechanic in Ontario instead of British Columbia or Nova Scotia. It is essential to understand what’s required by the province you’d like to work.

According to the Federal Government of Canada’s Job Bank estimated 119,300 Canadians were employed as automotive technicians and bus and truck mechanics or mechanical repairers in the year 2016. According to IBISWorld, the auto mechanics business earns an estimated $11 billion in Canada. If you have the proper education, you can be prepared for a career in this dynamic and exciting field.

Check out the following info to understand what it takes to become a mechanic, which states require certification, and how much you will earn after the course. Also, make sure you look at our advice for landing an apprenticeship.

• What will you need to do to be a mechanic?
• What is the requirement for certification?
• How much do mechanics make?
• Four ways to get an apprenticeship

What Do You Have to Do to Become a Mechanic?

In Canada, for a person to be a mechanic, you typically need to complete an approved apprenticeship that combines paid hands-on experience and instruction in an institution of vocational education. It usually takes around four years to master the skills required to become a mechanic. Although the procedure varies among territories and provinces, however, here are the most common steps:

• Get hired by an employer who agrees to sponsor you as an apprentice.
• Register as an apprentice with your local trade certification body.
• Enroll in an approved training program at a trade or vocational school.
• Log a prescribed number of work hours in your employer’s auto repair shop and complete a designated amount of in-school training.
• Pass all exams that are required.
• Receive your Certificate of Qualification or equivalent credential from your province and become a fully qualified journeyman.

Being certified in one province does not mean that you can be a mechanic in another area. Suppose you’re looking for the most flexibility in your work; you should take the interprovincial test. If you’re successful in passing the exam, you’ll be awarded the Red Seal endorsement, which allows your certification to be recognized everywhere in Canada.

What Are the Certification Requirements?

Each Province and Territory has their requirements for certification. The provinces and territories include British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Labrador, the Yukon and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut The certification of technicians working in the automotive industry is offered; however; it’s not legally mandatory. It is still possible to follow the steps listed above to earn an apprenticeship and then receive the Certificate of Qualification (or similar certification). However, it’s not required to do it.

In the other provinces getting mechanics without attending school isn’t possible. This is because the automotive industry is considered a mandatory trade in those regions. This means that you must have the proper license to become a mechanic. Here are the required training requirements for the provinces that regulate mechanics for automobiles:

• Ontario
• Alberta
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

Ontario

To become a mechanic in Ontario requires an apprenticeship consisting of 6,500 hours of practical experience and an additional 720 hours of school-based technical instruction. Apprentices registered as apprentices must be in good standing with the Ontario College of Trades, the governing body for the trades that require skilled workers in Ontario. Apprenticeships generally last for four years.

In Ontario, colleges and community groups offer training for pre-apprenticeship to those who do not have the necessary skills or experience required to be hired for an apprenticeship. The program is approximately one year long and typically includes an eight-to-12-week working experience that counts towards your training. Tools and books are often supplied.

Students in the 11th or 12 may also be able to complete co-op work experiences and gain credits for their apprenticeships through The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

The Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship program allows you to receive apprenticeship training while earning your college degree. In two years, you will complete all the school requirements of your apprenticeship and an element of your practical education after you have completed your training with an official college diploma and will be well on your journey to finishing your apprenticeship.

Alberta

To become a repair technician or service tech in Alberta, you must be enrolled in an apprenticeship of four years. Each year, you must complete at least 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom-based technical instruction. You may need to supply your equipment.

Students in high school can accumulate credit for their apprenticeships through their registered apprenticeship program. You can also take the two-year college course, which allows you to get a degree and work-related credits for your apprenticeship.

If you complete your apprenticeship, you are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.

Quebec

There are two methods to become mechanics in Quebec. The first is to obtain the Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in automotive mechanics and then join the Parity committee of the automotive service industry (CPA) in your region. The CPA will examine your educational background and work experience and issue your first competence card in the form of an apprenticeship.

Another option is to locate an employer who will coach you and then go straight to an apprenticeship. Automotive service technicians have to be able to complete an internship divided into three segments (generally for three years) with a total of 2,000 hours per. It is necessary to apply for a second competence card after each portion. After you’ve completed your training and passed the exam for qualification, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification and become a journeyperson.

New Brunswick

Service technicians in automotive must go through a 4-year apprenticeship to be employed in New Brunswick. The internship will require 7,200 hours of education in both classrooms and the job. After completing your training and passing your final exam, you will receive the Certificate of Qualification (in most cases, you will receive the Red Seal endorsement).

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia requires its automotive service technicians to finish an apprenticeship lasting four years and 7,200 hours. Apprentices must be registered through Nova Scotia’s Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. You may also opt to attend a brief automotive service course at a vocational institution and then transfer the credits and knowledge acquired through the program to your apprenticeship.

Students aged between 16 and 19 may also be registered as trainees in the youth sector and start their education in the automotive industry after completing high school.

Prince Edward Island

You must be an apprentice registered or possess the Qualification Certificate to work as a mechanic in PEI. A typical apprenticeship is 7200 hours of in-shop and in-school instruction.

How Much Do Mechanics Make?

According to the Job Bank, a car mechanic can earn between $27,040 and $110,667 annually, depending on their experience and their state. In the United States, automotive service technicians earn an average annual salary of $49,920. This means that half of the mechanics employed earn more than this amount, and half earn less.

The salaries of technicians in the automotive industry vary across the United States. The highest median wages are found within Nunavut ($65,832) and the Northwest Territories ($78,478), Nunavut ($65,832) as well as Alberta ($62,400).

It is essential to know that mechanics do not work with a salary. Instead, they might receive a fixed amount for every repair job they complete. In this scenario, working fast and efficiently could result in more money. Mechanical technicians can also earn income by working overtime. However, the majority of them work a 40-hour working week.

4 Tips for Getting an Apprenticeship

Getting into the auto industry isn’t easy. You must locate a company willing to hire you as an apprentice. However, it’s challenging to convince someone to sponsor you if you don’t have any qualifications or experience. Here are four ways to increase your chances of success:

1. Start young (if you can).

Many provinces have youth apprenticeships that let older teens gain hands-on experience in the workplace before the time they complete high school. This is an excellent opportunity to meet people within the field and to get ahead to begin your career.

2. It would help if you first went to college.

Many trades and vocational schools across Canada offer pre-apprenticeship courses to help you understand mechanics’ work. These programs also provide you with the essential abilities you’ll require to impress a prospective mentor for your apprenticeship. The majority of apprenticeship programs are less than two years and include hands-on learning that you can use towards your requirements for training.

3. Network, network, network.

It is among the most effective ways to discover opportunities. Speak to family members, acquaintances, teachers, family members, and anyone else who could have contacts in the field that can point you in the appropriate direction. Attend job fairs and talk to the representatives of companies who typically employ apprentices. You may also go to the local union hall to find out what tools they can offer.

4. Create the right attitude.

Employers are impressed by workers who adhere to the rules, respect safety, and show a commitment to continuing education. Dress professionally when meeting with potential sponsors. Also, acknowledge any assistance or advice they provide. Your appearance will have a significant influence on how employers view your character.

Mechanic Training

If you’ve figured out what it takes to be a professional mechanic, you’re now focusing on getting the instruction you need to meet your goals in the field. Vocational technical institutes, colleges, and trade schools provide practical, career-focused education that will prepare you for work in the field of automotive.