Automotive
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Automotive As A Trade
Like HVAC, there is no single trade called “Automotive”. There are some trades such as “automotive glass technician” and “automotive electronic accessory technician” that have no formal training or experience requirements and as such don’t usually count as skilled trades. The two that do have formal requirements are “automotive service technician” and “automotive painter”, both of which are Red Seal trades. If you want to work on cars for a living, the first step is to become an automotive service technician apprentice.
Compulsory Trade
Automotive Service Technician is a compulsory trade in Ontario, meaning that in order to be a legally licensed mechanic, one must complete an apprenticeship, pass an exam and stay current in the field. Mechanics often post their additional training certifications in their shops to prove to customers that they are up to date on the latest technology. Unlike other certifications that are mainly wallpaper, the ones that mechanics earn are generally indications of genuine advances in their knowledge.
An Automotive Apprenticeship
There is a classroom component and a work experience component to every automotive apprenticeship.To become a mechanic, you have to complete 720 hours of classroom training in trade school, and work as an apprentice for 6500 hours. On average, it will take 4 years to become a certified automotive service technician.
The work and school periods are spaced out, ideally in the following pattern.
| Period | Major Activities | Duration | Hourly Wage |
| Year 1 | Foundational work – cleaning cars, moving supplies, cleaning the shop, and disposal | 1500 hours | $20 – $23 |
| Class 1 – Basic | Basic Theory – safety, engine systems, suspension systems, tools, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
| Year 2 | Foundational work – moving supplies, basic procedures, cleaning, inventory | 1500 hours | $23 – $26 |
| Class 2 – Intermediate | Intermediate Theory – electrical, drive trains, air conditioning, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
| Year 3 | Foundational work, basic procedures, and intermediate procedures | 1500 hours | $25 – $30 |
| Class 3 – Advanced | Advanced Theory – automotive systems, diagnostics, tools, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
| Year 4 | Foundational work plus full range of mechanic tasks | 2000 hours | $30 – $40 |
Specialisations as a Mechanic
The range of options open to car mechanics is almost limitless, since cars are constantly evolving. Electric and hybrid systems, and the possibility of e-fuels in the near future means that mechanics are going to be in high demand for decades.
The neighborhood garage that was able to service every vehicle is much less common today than in the past, partly because of how quickly the industry is changing. In its place, we have seen the rise of specialized services – oil changers, in-and-out tire dealers – and large, full-service operations with a dozen or more bays. These establishments make up a large proportion of automotive servicing companies and will employ lots of mechanics.
Some mechanics end up specializing in a brand, or a region. For instance, some independent shops only service German automobiles, and a few may only work on one or two brands. Similarly, mechanics employed by dealerships may end up working on only one kind of car.
There are also some niche opportunities for mechanics, such as working on race cars, vintage and one-of-a-kind vehicles, or in custom auto shops.
The starting point for all of these possibilities is an apprenticeship. And you don’t have to pick your specialisation right away. You can start an apprenticeship in a tire-change franchise and end up working exclusively on luxury cars or opening a specialty garage. Be a professional, be utterly reliable, and the opportunities will come to you. Let Trade Smart College help you take this first step on your journey.
Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent or a company, we want to hear from you and put you in touch with one of our team members as soon as possible. We feel it is important to answer your questions one-on-one, so you can make informed decisions about joining us on our mission to connect students and companies. Please fill out the form, and we will get back to you very soon.
Automotive Apprenticeship or University?
Becoming a fully qualified “journeyperson” mechanic will take four years. But a university degree also takes four years. You don’t get paid to go to university, but you do get paid once you are registered as an apprentice. A degree will cost you $30,000 a year in tuition and living expenses, or you can earn $40,000 to $65,000 a year as an apprentice.
At the end of four years, you can be $120,000 in the hole pursuing a degree, or $180,000 ahead as an apprentice.
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