What Does a Truck and Coach Technician Do?

Truck & Coach Technicians service, repair, overhaul, diagnose and inspect motor coaches, heavy trucks and truck-trailers.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Detecting and diagnosing operating problems in frames and steering mechanisms, engines, transmissions, brakes, ignition, axles, fuel systems, engine management systems, suspension systems, electrical/electronic systems, emission control systems and air conditioning/refrigeration systems
  • Adjusting, overhauling, repairing and reassembling engines, transmissions, clutches, rear ends, differentials, brakes, drive shafts, axles and other assemblies
  • Using various diagnostic equipment to diagnose and isolate faults
  • Keeping up to date on advances in technology and updating skills
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers, customers and service managers
  • Reading and interpreting owner/operator/manufacturer operating manuals and service specifications

To view the Essential Skills necessary for someone to work in this occupation, click on the following link and scroll down to NOC code 7321:

http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Truck & Coach Technician is a restricted trade in Ontario, requiring Grade 12, with credits in Math and English and preferably some related subjects such as in-school technical programs, co-op programs or pre-apprenticeship courses. You must complete an apprenticeship of 9000 hours, comprised of a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, prior to successfully passing a written examination for your Certificate of Qualification.

What’s Your Future as a Truck and Coach Technician?

Most Truck & Coach Technicians work full-time, with some risk of injury involved in working around heavy equipment. Exposure to exhaust fumes and other chemicals such as oil/lubricants is common. Employers that hire Truck & Coach Technicians include:

  • Municipally, Provincially or privately owned Coach companies
  • Transportation companies
  • Construction or other material handling businesses

Check out our Success Story article on Bryant Trailer Services Inc in Brampton Ontario for additional information about this occupation.

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices generally earn less than fully qualified Journeypeople
  • Wages increase as your ability and productivity increase
  • Fully qualified Truck & Coach Technicians can earn from $18.00-$25.00/hour

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as  Truck and Coach Technician for You?

Can you lift, stoop, bend, kneel and work in confined spaces?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy tinkering and fixing engines and other equipment?

Yes      No

Do you like finding out why a problem exists, and then fixing it?

Yes      No

Do you like working with your hands, using a variety of tools?

Yes      No

Can you communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors or customers?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Do you persist until the job is done just right? 

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Truck and Coach Technician may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Avionics Technician
  • Millwright

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