CAHR - Automotive Occupations

Today's automotive manufacturing requires sophisticated technology and skilled people, working together to make the advanced, high performing automobiles Canadians look for. Here, you can learn about some of the career options available through profiles provided by the Government of Canada's Essential Skills program. The profiles include a brief description of the type of work involved in each occupation, educational requirements of these roles and more!

Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing. They also perform duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems that produce, transmit or consume power or employ heat energy in everything from aircraft engines to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineers
Industrial and manufacturing engineers conduct studies, and develop and supervise programs to achieve efficient industrial production and to enhance productivity based on the best use of machinery, materials, technology, procedures and human resources.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in mechanical engineering fields such as the design, development, maintenance and testing of machines, components, tools, heating and ventilating systems, power generation and power conversion plants, and manufacturing plants and equipment.
Industrial Engineering & Manufacturing Technologists & Technicians
Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the development of production methods, facilities and systems, and the planning, estimating, measuring and scheduling of work.
Machinists & Machining & Tooling Inspectors
Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials into parts or products that meet precise specifications. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards.
Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers
Steamfitters and pipefitters layout, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes.
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (Except Textile)
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Construction millwrights are mostly engaged in the initial installation of industrial plant machinery and equipment; industrial mechanics are more concerned with the post-installation maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors & Testers
Motor vehicle assemblers put together and install prefabricated motor vehicle parts and components to form sub-assemblies and finished motor vehicles. Motor vehicle inspectors and testers inspect and test parts, sub-assemblies and finished products to ensure proper performance and consistency with quality standards.
Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers
Electronics assemblers and fabricators put together an array of electronic parts, components or finished products. Electronics inspectors and testers inspect and test electronic and electromechanical assemblies, sub-assemblies, parts and components to ensure they match prescribed standards.
Welders and Soldering Machine Operators
Workers in these occupations operate welding equipment to permanently join metals together. Required skill levels vary widely by the equipment and processes used in performing welding tasks.
Machining Tool Operators
Machining tool operators set up and operate or tend metal-cutting machines designed for making machined products that meet precise specifications. This group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.
Metalworking Machine Operators
Metalworking machine operators set up and operate one or more metalworking machines that shape and form light or heavy metal into parts or products that meet precise specifications.
Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated electrical and electronic controls.
Tool and Die Makers
Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. This group includes pattern and metal mould makers. The work involves the operation of lathes, grinders and milling and boring machines, and computerized numeric control (CNC) machines.