Month: September 2019

Have you ever thought about becoming a mechanic, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Here are five easy steps you can take to make sure that an exciting career as an automotive mechanic (also known as an Automotive Technician) is right for you.

STEP 1 – Decide what your lifestyle needs will be

Firstly, think about the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. How much money do you need to pay for the kind of expenses you can expect to have? The word “expect” here is very important: since you’re looking at a career move, you can’t base your decision on your current financial commitments. Instead, look at your future expected needs. Fortunately, most auto mechanics make between $45,000 and $70,000 a year in Toronto, which is above the Canadian average.

STEP 2 – Talk to other mechanics

If you have a friend (or a friend of a friend) who’s a mechanic, ask them if you can spend a bit of time with them to learn more about the job. Ask them what a typical day is like for an automotive technician. Ask them about the challenges of the automotive industry. Ask them about the good, the bad, and the ugly – and use that to help you make your decision.

STEP 3 – Find out about jobs in your area

Think about where you want to work. If you don’t want to commute, are there a lot of garages in near your home that could be hiring auto mechanics? Pretend you already have an automotive technology diploma, and you’re looking for a job. Take a look at the job sites and see if there are any openings in your target area for mechanic jobs. Fortunately, if you live in Toronto, your chances of finding a …

5 Steps to Help Determine If Being a Mechanic Is Right for You Read More

Taxi companies are part of small and large communities. They can be as small as one or two cars or big enough to have their own fleet with support staff including a mechanic with automotive technician training. Usually they are controlled by local laws that can effect both driver and vehicle, and what sort of profit can be made.

Laws and Regulations

Some cities regulate the look of their taxis, perhaps requiring a particular style of vehicle, while others are content to simply post a sign on the top of the cab. Some municipalities require special exams for the drivers and limit the pool of available taxi licences, while others permit anyone who can demonstrate that level of driving ability to take on the job. For the safety of passengers as well as a cap on competition, there’s usually some sort of fare control.

Inside the Cab

A taxi can be privately owned, or belong to the company. Taxi drivers might be paid by the hour or by commission. Some cars, if they belong to the company, are on the road pretty much all hours of the day and just swap off drivers. If a driver has a fixed vehicle however, that’s just like their office. They may decorate it with items that make them feel at home and even take naps between fares. Drivers have a solid background in road skills, which means they are generally either people with transport operations training, for example retired truck drivers, or newcomers to the country.

For ease of use, the cab will be clearly labeled with its status as a taxi. This might just be a lit sign that goes on the top of the cab, or decals for the door. There will also be signs posted for fares, for …

Portrait of a Taxi Company Read More