How to become a mechanic trades Contractor or supervisor
Official title: Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
Also called: Garage supervisor, Body shop supervisor, Mechanics foreman/woman, Refrigeration contractor, Heating systems contractor, Machine fitters supervisor, Air conditioning contractor, Appliance repair contractor, Aircraft servicing supervisor, Automotive body shop supervisor, Elevator mechanic foreman/woman, Industrial mechanics supervisor
Contractors and supervisors in mechanic trades supervise and coordinate the activities of workers classified in unit groups within the following minor groups: Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicle) (7240), Automotive service technicians (7241) and Small motor, engine and equipment mechanics and related repairers (including electrical components) (7242). They are employed in a wide range of establishments; places of employment are indicated in the unit group descriptions of the above minor groups. Contractors may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers who repair and maintain aircraft, railway locomotives and cars, industrial machinery and equipment, construction and other heavy equipment, textile equipment, printing machines, heating equipment and furnaces, transformers and other electrical equipment, motor vehicles, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, electric appliances and other equipment, such as motorcycles, outboard motors and snowmobiles
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
- Train or arrange for training of workers
- Recommend personnel actions such as hiring and promotions
- Ensure that standards for safe working conditions are observed
- Prepare production and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a relevant trade are usually required. Journeyman/woman trade certification in a relevant trade is required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 27% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians; Heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies/technicians; Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,000 a year The middle half earn $61,172 to $97,500.
- About 73,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 82,500 are projected by 2033. (+11.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- Supervisors, printing and related occupations
- Supervisors, railway transport operations
- Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
- Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
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Questions people ask
How do I become a mechanic trades Contractor or supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a relevant trade are usually required. Journeyman/woman trade certification in a relevant trade is required.
How much does a mechanic trades Contractor or supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $61,172 to $97,500.
Is a mechanic trades Contractor or supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 73,800 to about 82,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a mechanic trades Contractor or supervisor?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03