How To Become A Mechanic In Ontario (2023)

With the increase in the production of automobiles today, there is also an increase in the need for the repair and maintenance of these automobiles. Apart from the good pay and high level of job satisfaction you get, being a mechanic puts you a step ahead as it is a valuable skill set because the number of vehicles being used continues to rise and so is the need for mechanics.

To become a mechanic in Ontario, you must be at least 18 years old and have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)or its equivalent, enroll into one of the Ontario colleges of trade, and then complete an apprenticeship program comprised of 6,500 hours of real-world experience and 720 hours of in-school technical training.

A mechanic is a skilled worker that builds, maintains, or repairs machinery. A mechanic is usually responsible for ensuring and maintaining the functionality of machines including cars and also engines. Major responsibilities of a mechanic include;

• Building and assembling machines
• Inspecting machines, engines
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting machines
• Conducting repair
• Ensuring reliability of machines by performing thorough routine maintenance
• Replace broken parts of machines and fix issues

How To Become A Mechanic In Ontario?

Although there is no mandatory certification, to become a mechanic in Ontario, you must fulfill the educational requirements, apprenticeship program and also earn certification. Typically, it takes around four years to gain mastery and professionalism, although this duration varies.

If you are looking towards becoming a mechanic in Ontario, here are the expected steps you are required to follow;

1. Earn A High School Diploma

Although you can become a mechanic without having any form of education, it is important to have a formal education as this gives you basic knowledge of mathematics, science, reasoning, reading, and writing and you also get the leverage of getting employed ahead of others.

To begin your career journey, you will need to have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and also need to have credits in grade 12 English, grade 11 or 12 Mathematics, drafting, and physics in order to be admitted into mechanical programs at Ontario colleges.

2. Enroll into an Ontario College of Trades

Ontario Colleges of Trades (OCOT) is the governing body that regulates skilled trades in Ontario and its activities are mandated by the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009. OCOT is an industry-driven body responsible for promoting and modernizing skilled trades, protecting tradespeople, the industry, and the public interest.

After enrolling in the Ontario College of Trades, you will have to take various mechanical courses including subjects like fuel systems, brakes, shop safety, machine design, welding and you will also gain in-depth knowledge of vehicle diagnostic equipment and mechanical systems.

3. Apply for an Apprenticeship Program

An apprenticeship program is a training program that is used as a talent development strategy. It usually combines hands-on work experience and classroom training.

To apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario, you must be registered under the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities or you can apply for pre-apprenticeship training at colleges and community agencies if you don’t have the skills to get hired into an apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship training comprises 6,500 hours of real-world experience and 720 hours of in-school technical training while the pre-apprenticeship training usually takes about a year to be completed and it also includes an eight to twelve-week work placement.

Students in grade 11 or 12 can also apply for a Co-op Diploma apprenticeship program and simultaneously receive apprenticeship training through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) while earning their college diploma as well.

4. Earn Certifications

Ontario requires certification in 23 licensed trades including mechanics. To become a certified mechanic, you will apply to obtain a certificate. Application requirements include;

• Documents to prove that you have the necessary practical skills and experience for the certificate
• A $50 application fee

After receiving your certification, you can begin your journey as a professional mechanic in Ontario.

5. Acquire Necessary Skills and Traits

Apart from certifications and educational requirements, a mechanic must have some particular traits that indicate that they are professional enough to be trusted. These traits and skills include;

• Good communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Good attitude towards learning
• Good work ethic
• Strong attention to details
• Ability to work well with your hands
• Resourcefulness and knowing the right place to get reliable information
• Ability to work well with others and use your initiative

Having these essential skills will definitely boost your rank as a good mechanic.

Requirements of a Mechanic in Ontario

• Must be at least 18 years old and have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)or its equivalent.
• Must complete an apprenticeship program having been registered under the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities
• Must earn a certification
• Must have in-depth knowledge of vehicles and machine
• Must have good problem-solving skills
• Must have good customer relations and communication skills

How Much Does a Mechanic Earn in Ontario?

The average salary of a mechanic in Ontario is about $26.61 per hour. Although some earn as low as $17.84 an hour which is approximately $37,115 a year while some earn as high as $60,947 per year. Variations in salaries might be due to years of experience, location, and skill proficiency.

Are Mechanics in High Demand in Ontario?

Although mechanics may be in high demand in other parts of Canada such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, it is not in high demand in Ontario. However, choosing to be a mechanic in Ontario is still a valuable career choice and as long as there is still an increase in the use of machines and automobiles, there will still be a demand in the need for mechanics to help maintain and fix them.

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What is The Work of a Mechanic?

Mechanics perform a variety of automotive services, they are skillful trade persons that work on trucks, automobiles, vehicles, etc. Some of their duties and responsibilities include;

• Diagnose mechanical issues timely and accurately
• Inspect vehicle engine and identify problems
• Perform routine maintenance to ensure that the machine maintains optimal functionality
• Conducting repair
• Replacing broken or worn-out parts.