10 Automotive Careers

The Canadian automotive industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified workers. If you love cars and are interested in automotive careers, here are ten auto careers to consider. 1. Quality Control InspectorrnIn an automotive parts assembly plant, the quality control inspector examines products for defects or blemishes before sending them out to market. 2. New Car Sales RepresentativernAuto sales training at an auto sales college can help you break into a career as a car salesperson. Top performers can earn as much as $100,000 a year. A certificate from an auto sales college teaches prospective salespeople about the intricacies of today’s market, which has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. 3. Collision EstimatorrnAfter a car accident, collision estimators are responsible for assessing the level of damage. They prepare reports for: • repair shopsrn • car rental companiesrn • insurance companiesrnThese reports can include: • repair timesrn • paint timesrnLike many auto careers, collision estimating involves the use of specialized industry software, and, therefore, requires some computer skills. 4. Auto Body Technician Auto careers include auto body specialists who: • apply anti-rust treatments to carsrn • apply undercoatsrn • match coloursrn • mix and apply paintsrnThis is one of the automotive careers that calls for: • attention to detailrn • creativity (matching colours, designing and carrying out custom paint jobs). 5. Parts SpecialistrnThis is one of the automotive careers that requires both technical knowledge and customer service skills. Parts specialists help individuals or professionals find the replacement parts they need. 6. CAD OperatorrnCAD stands for computer-aided design. CAD operators use computer tools to design automobiles and other vehicles. 7. Heavy Duty Equipment Service TechnicianrnThere are a range of automotive careers for mechanics. Heavy duty mechanics work in such industries as: • miningrn • forestryrn • landscapingrnThey inspect, diagnose and repair such vehicles as: • bulldozersrn • gradersrn • loadersrn • tractorsrn • forkliftsrn • busesrn • trucksrn • drillsrn 8. Trailer MechanicrnAnother one of the possible auto careers for mechanics is trailer mechanic. This kind of mechanic repairs, maintains, rebuilds and overhauls commercial trailers.rnTrailer mechanics must understand: • proper lifting proceduresrn • preventative maintenancern • brakesrn • basic hydraulicsrn • electrical theoryrn 9. Workshop ForemanrnAuto careers also include management positions, such as overseeing the functions in a body shop: • oversee repairsrn • assign workrn • oversee productivityrn • ensure qualityrn 10. Auto AssemblyrnAuto assembly encompasses a range of auto careers and includes such tasks as: • weldingrn • rust-proofingrn • paintingrnThis list is just the beginning. According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, there are 75 cars on the road in Canada for every 100 people aged 16 or over. The high number of cars in this country translates into a high number of automotive careers.rnContact the Automotive Training Centres for more information on their programs.