Heavy Duty Mechanic

Build

It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.

Richard Whately
Heavy Duty Mechanic

In A Nutshell

I work with large vehicles and equipment- often fixing mechanical breakdowns, electrical problems, and hydraulic issues.

I can take apart an engine, clean it, fix it, then put it back together again.

I often have to find the problems in the machines or equipment, document what is wrong, assess the parts around it, then fix the issue. 

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Potential Salary Range

$46,000 - $96,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Nunavut NU
Nunavut
Northwest Territories NWT
Northwest Territories
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan
Yukon Territories YT
Yukon Territories

I spend time both in the shop where I can do small repairs, and on a jobsite where I can fix equipment and machinery that is too big to be moved. Both environments are energetic and loud!

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Troubleshoot and identify problems
  • Repair or replace parts that are broken
  • Use computerized equipment to read codes and diagnose issues
  • Test vehicles or equipment after repair to check if they function properly
  • Clean and maintain equipment
  • Understand engines and fuel systems for many types of machinery

Education & Training

  • Heavy Duty Mechanics should have a high school diploma, a technical college diploma, or have their full journeyman trade certification. Those who have their trades journeyman certification can complete a Red Seal exam to become nationally recognized in their trade and be able to practice anywhere in Canada.
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Job Outlook

    Over the next ten years a labour shortage is expected to continue- many employers will struggle to fill positions with skilled and qualified workers. This means there will likely be job opportunities for workers who meet certification requirements.

Related School Subjects

Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Engine Vehicles Communication Parts

Important Skills

Physical

Being a mechanic is very physial work. It involves a lot of lifting and working with heavy tools and parts.

Mechanical

Most of my days are spent with equipment and machines; it's very important to enjoy mechanics and feel comfortable working around machinery.

Analytical Thinking

People will bring me a broken machine, and I need to be able to figure out what's wrong with it. Being an analytical thinker helps me work step by step to figure it out. 

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Problem Solving

Knowing what's wrong with a piece of equipment is half the battle; coming up with a creative and cost-efficient solution for the problem is the other half.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Pays Well
Helps Others
Independent Work
Own Boss
Work Changes Daily
Problem Solving