nextSteps.org - Automotive Careers

Automotive trades workers needed

Industry Profile -- by Mark Sproxton

The automotive industry resembles other trades industries in Alberta in one significant way: more workers are needed. While there are already about 2,100 certified auto body workers and 6,100 certified automotive service technicians, there are still hundreds of job openings and openings for apprentices. The Automotive Service and Repair Association conducted a survey of 104 collision repair shops in October 2002 showing there were over 450 spots available for apprentices and certified technicians at the time. And that doesn't include the mechanical side of the industry or the opportunities for work in positions such as: tire repairers; lube technicians; estimators; parts workers; glaziers....

Needless to say, those interested working in, under and around vehicles have plenty of opportunities available. But be prepared to prove yourself. Shop owners want to confirm your skills and work ethic so you may have to start doing relatively simple work before being the green light to perform more complex work, said Victor Marciano, executive director of ASRA. He suggests completing a pre-apprenticeship program at a technical college as the best method into the industry. "The ones who spend their own money before they have the apprenticeship, the shop owner says: "Hey, this person is for real."

Of course, if you are pursuing the service technician certificate, that means purchasing tools. The two routes into this trade are discussed further in this month's Hot Tip. There's more than just information on mechanics, however. Also in the this issue are stories from people working the front lines in the automotive repair industry. One feature looks at the work life in a lubrication shop, while the other feature looks at a day in the auto body shop. A long time automotive service technician talks tools in the Career Mirror, while an auto upholsterer discusses this relatively unique trade. As always, the Jump Start offers a wealth of information on how to get into this industry and much more.

Here's a brief summary of some of the jobs available in this industry with links to more information from the Occinfo career database, the Good Guides (an Australian job database Web site) and the Cars Youth Web site:

Auto body technicians repair dents, or twisted frames in vehicles and paint new parts to match the vehicle's original colour. Apprenticeship training is available.
• Pay will range from $17 to $26 per hour.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Auto parts technicians are responsible to order, stock and supply auto parts. Apprenticeship training is available.
• Pay will range from $13 to $19 per hour.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Automotive service technicians (or mechanics) diagnose, repair and maintain mechanical components of cars and trucks. Apprenticeship training is available.
• Pay will range from $17 to $22 per hour.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Detailers clean all aspects of vehicles, inside and out, from the body to upholstery to the engine. Training is on-the-job.
• Pay will vary from employer to employer.
• Job availability will vary from employer to employer.

Estimators use their knowledge of body repairs to give customers an approximate price on how much their repairs will cost. An auto body apprenticeship or on-the-job training is required.
• Pay will vary from employer to employer.
• Job availability will vary from employer to employer.

Tire installers are responsible for taking tires off vehicles and replacing the old rubber with new rubber on a vehicle's rims. Training is on the-job.
• Pay will vary from employer to employer.
• Job availability will vary from employer to employer.

Tire repairers patch and repair tires from all kinds of vehicles. Training is on-the-job.
• Pay will vary from employer to employer.
• Job availability will vary from employer to employer.

Automotive upholsterers repair, replace and modify seats, carpets, linings and other internal parts on cars, trucks, boats and motor homes. All training is on-the-job.
• Pay will range from $14 to $20 per hour.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Glaziers (auto glass technicians) repair, remove and install glass in vehicles. Apprenticeship training is available.
• Pay will range from $14 to $20 per hour.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Service station attendants pump gas, check oil and window washer fluid, operate a till and perform other duties as required. There are no educational requirements.
• Pay will range from minimum wage and up.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Questions about an article? Contact our Online Career Advisor.

Back Issues of nextSteps.org can be accessed through the Finder.