Accredited Programs (Red Seal)
Tradespersons in BC are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial certificates by successfully completing an Inter-Provincial (Red Seal) examination. This means journeypersons will have their qualifications recognized throughout Canada. Employers are also assured that an employee meets a standard of knowledge and competence that has been defined and vetted by industry.
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Agricultural Equipment Technicians work on tractors, combines and other implements used for harvesting, haying, spraying, seeding and tilling. The main job function is to set up, maintain, service, diagnose, repair and recondition agricultural equipment and other implements used for seeding, planting, harvesting spraying, haying, and tilling. Most of their time is spent repairing malfunctioning or equipment that is out of service, either in the shop or in the field. Servicing and repairing gasoline and diesel engines, drive train systems and components, hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems, electrical and electronic systems, steering and braking systems are other functions performed by Agricultural Service Technicians. Sometimes they assemble and adjust new agricultural equipment, perform scheduled maintenance service such as oil changes, lubrication and tune-ups, take defective units apart, and repair or replace broken, worn-out or faulty parts. Good communication and customer service skills are required since they often interact with clients. They teach clients how to operate new equipment, discuss equipment operation, and consult with them to pinpoint problems and determine their specific needs. Agricultural equipment technicians work in the agriculture sector for equipment manufacturers, dealerships and independent repair shops or on large farms. They can also be self-employed.
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic)
Heavy Duty Technicians must have the skills, knowledge and ability to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, operate and test off-road equipment. Heavy Duty Technicians are employed in many sectors such as mining, forestry, construction, marine, and oil and gas. Good physical condition and important attributes such as mechanical and mathematical aptitude are required. The ability to adapt to a variety of environmental conditions is an asset as working conditions may range from cold remote outdoor sites to comfortable indoor shops.
Truck and Transport Mechanic (Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanic)
Truck and Transport Mechanics inspect, repair and maintain commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, buses and road transport vehicles. They work on the structural, mechanical, electrical and electronic vehicle systems and components such as engines, cab, chassis and frames, brakes, steering, suspension, drive train, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), fuel systems and hydraulic systems. Maintenance and diagnosis of vehicles is also required. Truck and transport mechanics are employed in the agricultural, construction, mining, forestry, petrochemical and transportation sectors as well as small repair shops and motor vehicle dealers. Mechanics perform a large variety of tasks such as engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, HVAC systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, hydraulics, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.
Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination and physical condition are key attributes for anyone interested in this occupation. They must also have a good understanding of computerized machinery, good analytical skills, and the ability to read and understand service manuals.
Transport Trailer Technician (Commercial Trailer Mechanic)
Transport Trailer Technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain and repair transport trailers connected to or moved by a power unit. Trailers include flat decks, dry freight vans, refrigerated vans, tankers, converters, boosters, jeeps, pole trailers, steering dollies, dump trailers and any other commercial pull-type units. Transport trailer technicians inspect, service and repair parts and components of systems such as suspension and brake systems, mechanical and electrical components, flooring, hydraulic systems, axles, wheel assemblies and coupling units. Technicians may specialize in sheet metal work, frame repair or replacement, and heating and refrigeration unit repairs. Transport trailer technicians are employed at trailer manufacturers, sales and repair facilities, as well as at construction or industrial sites, fleet repair shops and sometimes out of a mobile service vehicle. Technicians must also be able to diagnose complex problems and interpret technical manuals and schematics.