The trade of heavy equipment mechanics is one of the 25 trades of the future in Quebec. It is a booming trade, especially since vehicles are now equipped with increasingly powerful and sophisticated electronic systems.
Why train for this trade? Where can I find an excellent heavy vehicle maintenance center?
We will answer both of these questions in this article.
What does a heavy-duty vehicle mechanic do?
Also known as a heavy-duty truck mechanic, this type of mechanic repairs, rebuilds and maintains defective truck parts and makes necessary adjustments to heavy trucks. They may also be referred to as heavy trucks or diesel mechanics.
Their work consists of performing maintenance and routine overhauls on heavy vehicles. They establish and diagnose issues with the electronic devices, parts and systems that make up each part of the vehicle. They are also qualified to replace parts that are out of order, and in some instances, their experience even allows them to rebuild parts entirely.
The mechanic orders spare parts from various suppliers and prepare estimates. They also provide technical and mechanical advice to customers to ensure the proper maintenance of their trucks throughout their lifetime.
Mechanics commonly work in truck dealerships, and heavy vehicle repair centers such as Ressorts Industriels Laval Inc. / Centre de Camion C.T. CAM Inc., bus companies, excavation companies, trucking companies, and fleets composed of heavy vehicles.
They can specialize in other technologies and systems, such as hydraulic technicians or diesel injection equipment specialists.
In terms of compensation, at the beginning of their careers, heavy-duty truck mechanics can earn a gross salary of $48,750 per year or $25 per hour (Source: Neuvoo).
With experience, their salary can go up to $30.39/hour as a journeyman (after three years) in large new heavy vehicle dealerships (Greater Montreal area).
Note that these figures may have changed, as our figures were sourced from 2015 from the Métier-Québec website.
Why train as a heavy-duty truck mechanic?
Heavy-duty vehicles are equipped with several technologies. Companies increasingly require heavy-duty mechanics to specialize and acquire work tools at the cutting edge of technological developments to properly understand and care for these vehicles.
Also, the safety of the driver of these vehicles typically depends on the condition of the road, but with these vehicles, so too does the safety depend on assuring all parts of these heavier vehicles are working together as intended.
The mechanic must therefore do a good job. They must be rigorous and meticulous in their work. From diagnosis to repair of the vehicle, good analysis and understanding is always necessary.
He/she must be organized and able to work in a team. The mechanic must have a perfect mastery of the principles of auto mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, electricity, etc. This trade will often put them into situations where they will have to collaborate with fellow mechanics that may have their own set of specializations.
The mechanic must also have the ability to handle tools and increasingly sophisticated measuring devices. He/she must master technological advances and stay abreast of changes in their industry and the technology industry in general. It goes without saying that to become a heavy-duty mechanic, and you must have a specialized diploma.
Aspiring mechanics in Quebec must have at least a D.E.P. in heavy-duty vehicle mechanics. To have more responsibilities, he/she should also have an A.S.P. in specialized heavy equipment mechanics.
This diploma allows, as its name indicates, to have specialized knowledge on :
- conventional and alternative fuel systems
- exhaust gas treatment systems,
- power transmissions,
- hybrid energy management systems,
- comfort, safety and operational support systems,
- integrated electronic management structures.
The mechanic trade offers several opportunities. Mechanics can work in logistics, maintenance and transportation. There are several specialized schools in Quebec where it is possible to train as a heavy vehicle mechanic.
Finding the right place for heavy-duty mechanics
The heavy vehicle mechanic trade is of great importance to trucking centers. It is also essential as their guarantee that a vehicle is roadworthy assures us of the safety of essential vehicles that operate across multiple important societal industries daily.
Operating for 45 years, our Ressorts Industriels Laval/C.T. Cam Inc. offers specialized services for the repair and mechanics of heavy and light trucks.
We take care of heavy trucks, such as firetrucks, ambulances, commercial shipping trucks, tractors, over-the-road vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, emergency vehicles and more! Our truck center has a team of qualified mechanics who can handle all your repairs.
We offer free estimates and perform visual checks and road tests on trucks to detect malfunctions, all free of charge. Our company’s resources are always available to do a quick and efficient job of assuring your vehicle’s maintenance.
Additionally, we are known for offering an unbeatable quality/price ratio. Our repair center is ranked among the best in the repair and maintenance of heavy and light trucks in the Montreal area.
Finally, no matter what type of truck you have, you can call us anytime to schedule an appointment to have it examined.