Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
What they do?
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Heavy-duty and farm equipment mechanics may specialize in specific types of machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles, or in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel injection, hydraulics or electronics.
B. Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
C. Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required
D. Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools
E. Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications
F. Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment
G. Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
Where they find work?
1. Wholesale trade - 22.0%
2. Other services (except public administration) - 17.0%
3. Construction - 10.0%
4. Transportation and warehousing - 10.0%
5. Mining (except oil and gas) - 7.0%
6. Farms - 4.0%
7. Real estate and rental and leasing - 3.0%
What education do I need?
1. You usually need a high school diploma.
2. To gain trade certification, you usually need either a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years' work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in heavy equipment repair.
3. Heavy-duty equipment mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces/territories.
4. Farm equipment mechanic trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces except Quebec and the territories.
5. Heavy equipment and farm equipment mechanics may obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.
6. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Mechanics
4. Industrial Arts
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics is $20.21/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($20.21) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (40%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Diagrams/schematics
2. Machinery
3. Physical/outdoor work
