Truck and Coach Technician (Block Release) [Apprenticeship] TCT

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.

Prospective students, who do not have an employer or wish to explore a mechanical career before doing an apprenticeship, may want to consider the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program at Fanshawe College. This program provides much of the in-school portion of an apprenticeship.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to refer to and follow the technical manuals which are written in terse abbreviated language.

Math & Science Basic math skills needed.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal for course material).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Mechanical aptitude and interest
• Enjoy performing tasks that require precision
• The strength required to lift heavy machine parts
• The ability to read and understand technical information
• The ability to work independently with little supervision
• The ability to keep up to date with changing technology

Useful background experience for this program would be

High school automotive classes, Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) in Transportation, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) an asset but not required.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Licensed Truck and Coach Service Technician.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required.
• Work is sometimes noisy and dirty.
• Some risk of injury when working with power tools and from exposure to exhaust gas fumes.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Specialized repair shops, large fleet maintenance companies, transportation companies and construction companies, or organizations that own or lease trucks.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems
• Adjust, test and repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, drive trains, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and air-conditioning systems, and do wheel alignments
• May specialize in repairing, rebuilding and servicing specific parts (for example, transmissions, engines, electrical components)
• Locate the cause of faulty operation and repair it
• Use testing equipment, take the vehicle for a test drive or refer to manufacturers' specifications and manuals
• Dismantle faulty assemblies and repair or replace worn or damaged parts
• Reassemble, adjust and test the repaired mechanism
• Provide scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

• www.apprenticesearch.com
• The Apprenticeship Network
• Apprenticetrades.ca
• Ontario College of Trades
• Employer apprenticeship incentives

Links to learn more about being a truck and coach technician

• Heavy Duty Repair Specialist Association
• Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA)
• www.canadiantechnician.com
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024