Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic
.
What is a heavy equipment mechanic ?
A heavy equipment mechanic is a person works on industrial vehicles and equipment. They are usually employed in specialized repair shops, large fleet maintenance companies, transportation companies and construction companies.
A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for doing the following :-
1- Examining and repairing heavy duty equipment such as: bulldozers , cranes, graders and may also include trucks. Or hydraulic-operated transmissions , and drivetrains. That may be damaged.
2- Check equipment to detect problems and dysfunctions to insure a proper function of the machine.
3- Detecting faults using computerized/digital and other testing methods. in order to know the amount of repair the machine requires.
4- Regulating and enhance machines/equipment, remove or replace dysfunctional parts using hands and power tools.
5- Putting the repaired equipment to test in order to ensure proper performance that meets the manufacturers’ needs.
6- Regular maintenance work on machines which includes cleaning, polishing, and lubrication.
Work Conditions
- A heavy equipment mechanic might oversee a couple of lower level heavy equipment mechanics while working with them. a heavy equipment mechanic might also work under more advanced level workers who performs more complex work.
- Heavy equipment mechanics are employed in specialized repair shops, large fleet maintenance companies, transportation companies and construction companies.
- Traveling opportunities may also vary according to the company and the season.
Work hours and Wage
While working as a heavy equipment mechanic the hours might not be constant as they might differ according to the company or season. also the will also include shifts on weekends and overtime.
Wages can also differ depending on the company, location, and economic conditions.
Heavy equipment mechanics make about C$17.35- C$35.58 /h or $30,000 to $69,000 CAD a year
Work Enviroment
As a heavy equipment mechanic work will mostly be outside as in construction sites, the company’s maintenance station, or mines.
Even though Heavy equipment mechanics are trained to work safely and take special precautions to protect against injury, Possible hazards might be faced too such as :
- Getting hit or struck by an equipment or a vehicles.
- Equipment rolls over and kills the operator while being on a slope or when the equipment is being loaded or unloaded .
- Operators or mechanics are run over or caught in equipment if a dysfunction or a mistake happens.
- Workers on foot are crushed by falling equipment loads, backhoe buckets, or other moving parts
Skills And Personal Qualities
In order to work as a heavy equipment mechanic some skills are recommended such as :
- good in mechanics, problem solving, and math.
- having a good interest in machines and equipment.
- having good senses such as: smell, touch , eye sight, etc
- might include a driver's license.
- stamina and physical fitness in order to lift some heavy machines, and keeping in mind that working in cramped and awkward positions will be included.
being open minded and the ability to work individually or in groups.
Education and Training Required
In order to become a heavy equipment mechanic you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. This is called an apprenticeship which is required in order to work as a heavy equipment mechanic.
In order to get this apprenticeship a grade 12 or equivalent is required in order to get under the Ontario college of trades and apprenticeship. you must also complete an apprenticeship of hours a combination of 6280 hours during the job training as well as 720 hours In school.
Some credits that would be in the student's advantage to have are Math, English, Science, technical courses ( electrical system or auto mechanics) , and Mining specialist high skills major program
A heavy-duty equipment mechanic is a compulsory trade in the provinces of Quebec and Alberta. meaning that a trade certificate for a heavy equipment technician or mechanic is required. while all the other provinces in Canada do not require that certificate it is still recommended to have
Will there be a demand for this trade in the future in Canada?
While working as a Heavy equipment mechanic you might face situations where you are not employed for a while. Despite that, Heavy equipment mechanics will likely to have many job opportunities in the future due to the increase use of machines and technology.
Also heavy equipment mechanics who have graduated from a postsecondary training program will also be in demand as the employers find it difficult to find qualified employees with good education.