Automobile Mechanic (Truck) apprenticeship

Description of an apprenticeship as an Automobile Mechanic (Truck)

Table of Contents

Automobile Mechanic (Truck)

DOT code: 620.261-010

Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook for a detailed description of this trade. Type the trade name in the search box and hit enter.

Description

Repairs and overhauls automobiles, buses, trucks, and other automotive vehicles: Examines vehicle and discusses with customer or Automobile‑Repair‑Service Estimator; Automobile Tester; or Bus Inspector nature and extent of damage or malfunction. Plans work procedure, using charts, technical manuals, and experience. Raises vehicle, using hydraulic jack or hoist, to gain access to mechanical units bolted to underside of vehicle. Removes unit, such as engine, transmission, or differential, using wrenches and hoist. Disassembles unit and inspects parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and thickness gauges. Repairs or replaces parts, such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings, using mechanic's handtools. Overhauls or replaces carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps. Rebuilds parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks, using lathes, shapers, drill presses, and welding equipment. Rewires ignition system, lights, and instrument panel. Relines and adjusts brakes, aligns front end, repairs or replaces shock absorbers, and solders leaks in radiator. Mends damaged body and fenders by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts. Replaces and adjusts headlights, and installs and repairs accessories, such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers.

Work process schedule

Task Hours
A. Shop routine: new vehicle service, installation of accessories, body service, and keeping shop clean and orderly. 500
B. Brakes: adjusting, relining, repair hydraulic systems, power operated brakes, air and vacuum brakes. 500
C. Chassis: frames, steering units, front suspensions systems, shock absorbers, springs. 750
D. Clutch and transmission: clutches, standard and automatic transmissions, overdrive and shift controls, power takeoff. 1250
E. Rear axle assembly: differential, universal joints, drive lines, rear axle. 750
F. Power plants: valves, timing gears and chains, piston and ring assembly, bearing and crankshaft, cylinder reconditioning. 1500
G. Electric system: wire and light system alternator, generator and regulator, starting and motors, windshield wiper, etc., instruments and gauges, ignition and battery, transmission controls. 1000
H. Motor analyzing: carburetors, fuel systems, distributors, etc., troubleshooting, fuel injectors, tune up. 1000
I. Exhaust emission controls: exhaust analyzers, catalytic converters, controls, pumps. 300
J. Miscellaneous: exhaust systems, welding, auxiliary devices, upholstery repair, body and structural repair, installation and maintenance of radio transmitters and receivers or repair such equipment, oil changes, winterization, anti-freeze changing, changing windshield wiper blades, head lights, tail lights, lenses, fuses, fan belts, inspect tires, replace/repair as necessary, provide battery services to include charging, installation and removal as required, shop operations, service selling and supervision review.  
(Every 2,000 hours = one year) Total Hours: 8,000

 

Related technical instruction

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires 150 hours each year of related technical instruction which must be mastered by the apprentice in order to successfully complete the program. For further information, please call the Division of Apprentice Standards at (617) 626-5409.

Additional Resources

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