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The occupation of a Red Seal Truck and Transport Mechanic is one of Canada’s many designated Red Seal trades. This article explores this trade from the most common responsibilities and necessary attributes to employment opportunities and current trends. It also uncovers the value of the Red Seal Endorsement and exam as well as Ashton College’s Red Seal Exam Prep course.
Truck and transport mechanics may work on the following vehicles:
Mechanics are responsible for their inspection, diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and work on structural, mechanical, and electrical vehicle systems and components. These include engines, frames, brakes, steering, suspension, heating, fuel systems, and hydraulic systems. Truck and transport mechanics use specialized tools, such as hand tools, test meters, hoisting and lifting equipment, hydraulic equipment, and safety equipment electronics to fulfil their job duties.
Apart from a mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination, a truck and transport mechanic should possess several additional skills and attributes. This trade is physically demanding, and mechanics are often required to climb, stoop, crouch, kneel, and handle heavy parts and tools. They also frequently work in awkward positions or adverse weather conditions. All these circumstances require flexibility, adaptability, perseverance, and passion for the job.
Additionally, having good vision, hearing, and sense of smell is crucial for identifying problems. Along with these sensory abilities, a mechanic must possess soft skills such as excellent communication, self-learning, problem-solving, and patience. Due to the increasing prevalence of electrical and hybrid vehicle systems, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of computerized machinery, analytical and computer skills, and expertise in data management.
Truck and transport mechanics also work with heavy equipment and power tools, posing common occupational risks, including:
Therefore, sound judgement and understanding and following safety precautions are paramount.
Truck and transport mechanics can find employment in many different sectors, which may include:
More specifically, they may work for:
The industry is currently undergoing many changes, and the urgent need to protect the environment is one of the most significant drivers. For example, there is an increasing focus on reducing emissions and implementing improved protocols for recycling and disposing of hazardous materials.
This development is one reason for the growing popularity of new technological solutions like alternative fuel systems, including electric and hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas, propane-powered, and fuel-efficient vehicles.
With these new technologies also come new tools and techniques for servicing them. Other developments include new health and safety standards for electric and hybrid vehicles, advanced driver assistance technologies, and a rapid development towards partially and fully autonomous vehicles.
The evolving trends in the trucking and transport industry demand that mechanics acquire new skill sets. These skills include intellectual, digital, computer, and problem-solving abilities, as well as the mastery of new tools, techniques, and technologies. Additionally, it is essential to understand and practice new safety precautions. As the industry continues to evolve, mechanics must remain adaptable and demonstrate a willingness to keep learning.
Even though obtaining the Red Seal Endorsement is not mandatory for tradespeople, it is highly beneficial for their career. Tradespeople who receive a Red Seal Endorsement have proven their knowledge and skills in their trade. The Red Seal Endorsement allows them to demonstrate their excellence to employers, gives skilled workers confidence in their abilities, and allows them to work all across Canada. It also often leads to a higher salary and makes them eligible to include the acronym RSE (Red Seal Endorsement) on business cards and signatures.
In order to obtain the Red Seal Endorsement, candidates must pass the Red Seal Exam, which is considered the final test for many trades and is based on the trade’s Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS). It assesses a tradesperson's factual knowledge, problem-solving skills, knowledge of procedures, calculation skills, interpretation of diagrams and more. The exam has a multiple-choice format with four equally weighted choices and one correct answer. There is a time limit of four hours and a minimum passing score of 70%. Candidates must have considerable experience in one of Canada’s Red Seal trades to be eligible to write the exam.
The Red Seal Truck and Transport Mechanic Exam Preparation course is designed based on the trade’s RSOS. This course focuses on reviewing, interpreting, and discussing the RSOS, helping students develop the essential knowledge and skills to pass the Red Seal Examination.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
The course covers various crucial topics, including tool and equipment maintenance, engine and support systems, air systems, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, and hydraulic systems. This online course is offered in a flexible, part-time format. It combines the real-time interaction and immediate feedback of live sessions with the flexibility and self-paced learning of asynchronous materials. Learn more: https://www.ashtoncollege.ca/programs/red-seal-truck-and-transport-mechanic/
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
