DEALERS VOICE
The valuable skills of auto tech
Although automotive technicians work mostly behind the scenes, their work is highly skilled and valued.
At my Toyota dealership in Mississauga, one of our senior automotive technicians, Brian Davidson, has been licensed for close to 50 years.
Brian’s story is worth telling! It will inspire students to explore the career opportunities in the field of automotive technology. Our industry faces a serious shortage of auto service technicians, as baby boomers retire faster than they can be replaced.
Brian immigrated to Canada from his native Scotland at age 24, and began working at our store in 1979. He grew up curious about mechanical things, with a keen interest in automobiles. Brian’s neighbour in Scotland raced stock cars and he helped to maintain and rebuild the car.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, automobiles became more complicated with the addition of on-board computers and sensors.
Being affiliated with Toyota, Brian had the advantage of learning about the new computers and electrical systems from Toyota. All automakers provide ongoing training and development for their technicians.
That’s one of the advantages of bringing a vehicle into a dealership for repairs or maintenance. Factory-trained automotive technicians know your make and model inside and out; they have the most up-to-date diagnostic tools, equipment, service updates, and expertise for repairing and maintaining vehicles.
As Brian reflects on his nearly five decades as an automobile technician, he is pleased with his career choice. It has provided a good living and much job fulfilment. Brian has always enjoyed the challenge of tackling new mechanical problems and finding solutions. He says that no two days are alike.
Brian works with a team of automotive technicians, with whom he shares ideas and best practices.
He also works closely with co-op apprentice students, mentoring them, helping them to understand the mechanical and electrical systems in today’s automobiles.
One of the other joys of Brian’s career is interacting with customers. Some customers appreciate having a technician explain a mechanical issue, so that they understand the repair process, and Brian is happy to share his knowledge. Brian is on a first-name basis with many of our customers and is referred to by the customers as “my mechanic.”
Automotive technicians possess technical and communication skills, and an aptitude for learning. They have a thorough understanding of the latest diagnostic tools, PCs and wireless, hand-held computers in troubleshooting problems. As vehicle components and systems have become more sophisticated, technicians often specialize in certain disciplines, such as engine repair, electrical, brakes, wheel alignment, heating systems, air conditioning, transmission repair, and collision repairs. Nowadays, most technicians do all types of repairs on vehicles.
Students reading this may wonder about the future of automotive technicians as electric and autonomous vehicles gain traction in the marketplace.
Brian believes (as do I) that those new motive power technologies are impressive, but that mass adoption is still at least a decade or more away.
Even when EVs and autonomous vehicles gain a larger foothold in the marketplace, automotive technicians (and dealerships) will still be required to diagnose and repair them.
To become a fully licensed and certified automotive technician requires four years of postsecondary schooling and apprenticing.
A highly trained automotive technician can earn between $56,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on a person’s skill level and place of employment.
For more information about automotive tech careers, contact a post-secondary school that offers courses in automotive technology. Conestoga College, Centennial College and Durham College are a few of the outstanding schools in Ontario that offer automotive courses.
Or speak to a service adviser or technician at any new car dealership. They would be happy to answer your questions and discuss auto tech careers.. This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Susan Gubasta is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president/CEO of Mississauga Toyota.