Description
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail establishments which have automotive service shops. This unit group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job Titles
- Automotive brake specialist
- Automotive electrical technician
- Automotive service technician
- Motor vehicle diesel engine mechanic
- Transmission technician
- Wheel alignment and brake mechanic
Main Duties
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor
- Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults
- Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment
- Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer’s performance specifications
- Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
- Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.
Workplaces
- Automotive service shops of retail establishments
- Automotive specialty shops
- Garages
- Motor vehicle dealers
- Service stations
- Transportation companies
Skills
- Preventative Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment and Tool Selection
- Operation and Control
Abilities
- Auditory Attention
- Sound Localization
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Body Flexibility
- Control of Settings
Personal Attributes
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Independence
- Stress Tolerance
Similar Occupations
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
- Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators (72411)
- Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling (92020)
- Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers (94200)
- Recreation vehicle technicians (72423.02)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be Good for automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 72410) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Demand for automotive and truck mechanics in P.E.I. continues to be supported by steady consumer spending, a growing vehicle base, and the expansion of transit services across the province. The importance of truck maintenance for goods transport and compliance with provincial safety standards ensures consistent demand for skilled mechanics. At the same time, the rapid adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles is reshaping the trade, increasing the need for technicians trained in computerized diagnostic systems and advanced electronic components. Employers continue to report shortages of qualified tradespeople, with many shops extending hours and offering overtime to meet demand.
For new graduates or career seekers, prospects are strongest for those with formal certification, Red Seal credentials, and up‑to‑date training in emerging vehicle technologies. Entrepreneurial opportunities also exist, as self‑employment remains common in the trade, and transferable skills can open pathways into related occupations such as heavy‑duty equipment mechanics.
Here are some key facts about Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 750 people work in this occupation.
- Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers mainly work in the following sectors:
- Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 52%
- Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 31%
- Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 6%
- 77% of automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- 22% of automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 42% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 28% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: n/a
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $16.65 | $25.50 | $32.00 |
| Canada | $19.00 | $29.89 | $43.27 |
Training
| TRAINING PROGRAM | INSTITUTION | CREDENTIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technology | Holland College | Diploma |