heavy truck mechanics

What Training is Needed to Become a Truck Mechanic?

The job of truck mechanics is to repair and maintain trucks and buses. They are responsible for diagnosing and repairing engines, brakes, transmission systems, steering, suspension, and running routine services including complete engine rebuilds. It is a complicated and advanced job profile and affects the safety and bottom-line of fleet owners and individual heavy-duty vehicle owners.

There are certain training requirements for becoming a heavy truck mechanic. This guide provides you with insights into what you will need to become a truck mechanic in North America.

Tasks & Duties of Truck Mechanics

Some of the main tasks of a truck mechanic are as follows:

  • Detecting and diagnosing truck issues
  • Servicing heavy trucks, including oil checks, wheel alignment, and battery testing
  • Using computer systems to diagnose parts issues
  • Making sure the vehicle is roadworthy
  • Providing preventative maintenance services
  • Diagnosis and repair of hydraulics systems
  • Checking parts and dismantling engines
  • Hand fitting and machining replacement parts

Truck mechanics may also be required to do light body repairs.

How to Become a Truck Mechanic?

There are two ways someone can become truck mechanics in Quebec.

  • You will be required to complete a Diploma of Vocational Studies or DEP in Mécanique de véhicules lourds routiers (Mechanics of heavy road vehicles).
  • The second way is to join an employer that is ready to train you and places you in an apprenticeship. As a technician, you should complete an apprenticeship comprising three parts, basically broken into three years. Each part requires the completion of 2,000 hours of training. You will be required to apply for the next level of competency card when you complete each part of the training. After completing the apprenticeship, you will have to pass a qualifying exam. This will lead to getting a Certificate of Qualification.

Becoming a Truck Mechanic as a Diesel Mechanic

After completing your studies in heavy vehicles mechanics, you will generally begin with basic tasks such as helping other mechanics in moving heavy vehicles and checking fluids. Gradually, a heavy truck mechanic will progress to handling more complicated tasks. The trainee phase can last from 3 to 4 years.

Certain mechanic positions require you to have postsecondary diesel mechanic qualifications. There are both certificate and degree programs in the field of mechanics at vocational, trade, and community colleges. Even after completing your diesel mechanic classes, you may be required to complete extensive hands-on training.

Things to Know as a Heavy Truck Mechanic

As a heavy truck mechanic, you will be spending a lot of time getting grimy. Mostly, your work environment will be a large repair shop, but you can also expect to work on-site. You should be ready to work in some of the most difficult work environments without any hassles.

Heavy truck mechanics need to work in shops that tend to be dirty and loud. You will have to work in different positions to access the different parts of the trucks. The working hours can vary based on where you are employed. While some truck repair shops stay open during normal business hours, others may also operate during evenings and weekends. Then, there are repair shops that provide 24/7 services.

There are ample employment opportunities for truck mechanics. The trucking industry fared well through the pandemic and there is a growing demand for skilled mechanics. The demand is even beyond what the market statistics show. The rate at which older mechanics are retiring is not being effectively matched by the rate at which younger professionals are replacing them.

Conclusion

So, anyone who seeks to become a heavy truck mechanic will have to meet the following requirements:

  • Work experience in the industry and/or an educational course in truck/heavy-duty equipment mechanics
  • Trade certification for truck and transport mechanics

You may also apply for Red Seal endorsement by appearing in the relevant examination. This seal means that you have demonstrated knowledge under the national standard in your trade.

If you want to learn more about the training requirements for truck mechanics, feel free to contact TMS TruckMaster.