A day in the life of a dealership automotive technician
Today, I want to examine the role of an automotive technician at a new car dealership, which may shed light on a profession that is challenged to attract a new generation of candidates.
The automotive technician field is highly specialized and includes service technicians, diagnostic technicians, brake and transmission technicians and body repair technicians.
When we talk about a typical day for an automotive technician (let’s call him Joe), the reality is that typical days don’t exist. Each day offers new challenges, opportunities and experiences.
For most automotive technicians, their day starts at 7:30 or 8 a.m. The first thing Joe does is access his work schedule for the day so that he can plan his day accordingly. He may resume working on a vehicle from the previous day or he may accept a new work order.
When a new, customer-approved work order is opened, a parts request is given to the parts department. Joe will retrieve those parts in a timely manner, or they are delivered to his bay.
On any given day, automotive technicians spend time working with apprentices and monitoring their work. Joe often urges apprentices to learn about automotive computer and electrical systems because that type of specialized knowledge will always be in high demand.
For many problems, an engine warning light will alert Joe to a potential problem. To explore deeper problems, however, a computer diagnosis is used to check a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems (90 per cent of modern vehicles are computerized).
Occasionally, a computer diagnosis can’t identify a specific problem, and so a technician will rely on their training, expertise and instincts to troubleshoot.
Diagnosing symptoms can require an hour or more of a technician’s time, which is billable.
Just as an electrician or plumber charges customers for their time to diagnose a problem, so do automotive technicians charge to find the source of a problem.
To accurately identify problems and make repairs requires years of education and training. Many technicians have an aptitude (and curiosity) for fixing things: in their early years, they often studied and rebuilt small engines, bicycles, appliances, clocks and computers.
Part of a technician’s job is to keep abreast of new auto technologies. Throughout the year, they attend training sessions and education seminars by manufacturers and suppliers, where they learn about new on-board systems, safety features, diagnostic tools, recall notices and technical service bulletins.
One of the underrated aspects of an automotive technician’s profession is teamwork.
Technicians spend much of each day interacting with colleagues, service advisers, dealership staff and customers, to ensure that work proceeds as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible.
On the subject of safety, technicians must follow the health and safety guidelines, as established by various levels of government.
This involves the safe disposal of toxic fluids, oil filters and other worn-out parts and maintaining a safe working environment.
Dealership shops are frequently audited by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Labour to ensure that all health and safety standards are being followed.
At the end of each shift, Joe reviews his activities of the day, puts away his tools and makes sure that his work area is clean and safe, so that he’s ready to start fresh the next day.
There is a need and there are opportunities for a career as an automotive technician.
If you think that you might be interested and are considering a career in this field, courses are available at the high school and postsecondary school level.
Speak to a guidance counsellor about the automotive-related disciplines, education, training and co-op work opportunities that exist.