Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
Career Overview
Motor vehicle assemblers and inspectors in this unit group work for plants that manufacture automobiles, vans and light trucks and perform a variety of tasks.
People in this occupation:
- Assemble and install pre-made motor vehicle parts and components to form components and finished motor vehicles
- Inspect and test parts, components, accessories and finished products to ensure proper performance and quality standards
Job Titles
Duties
Motor vehicle assemblers:
- Read electrical plans, blueprints and other technical diagrams
- Fasten motor vehicle parts and components together using hand and power tools and equipment
- Operate and tend automated assembling equipment such as robotic and fixed automation equipment
- Connect cables, tubes and wires to complete components and installations
- Position and install parts, components and accessories such as engines, transmissions, door panels or instrument panels using hand and power tools and other aids like overhead hoists
- Fit and adjust parts such as doors, hoods and trunk lids
Motor vehicle inspectors and testers:
- Check motor vehicle paint and mark, record and report defects to be repaired
- Test motor vehicle electrical components, equipment and wiring for proper performance using testing devices such as meters, analyzers and timing lights
- Inspect auto parts and fully assembled motor vehicles for defects and ensure that previously noted defects have been corrected
- Drive and test motor vehicles on roll testing device to ensure that transmission, axle, engine and brakes function properly
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
900% Employed Full Time
52%Key aspects of work in this occupation:
- Assemblers and inspectors in this unit group usually work in a conventional controlled environment such as an office, hospital or school
- This work can produce enough noise to cause loss of hearing
- Work may be performed with equipment, machinery or power/hand tools that could cause an injury
Examples:
- Operating metal machining tools to shape metal
- Using hand and power tools to fabricate wood products
Career Pathways
Mobility is possible to jobs in the same production department.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
- Completion of secondary school is usually required
- Skills required for occupations in this unit group are normally acquired through on-the-job training
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Academic/Basic Upgrading
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
900Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 0 | 0.0% |
| Kootenay | 25 | 2.8% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 680 | 75.1% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 10 | 1.1% |
| Northeast | 15 | 1.7% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 85 | 9.4% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 80 | 8.8% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
430Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | Not available | Not available |
| Kootenay | 10 | 2.6% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 370 | 1.4% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 20 | 1.8% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 30 | 0.3% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 290 |
| Retail Trade | 50 |
| Repair, Personal and Non-Profit Services | 40 |
| Wholesale Trade | 20 |
| Construction | 10 |
Resources
Resource information is currently not available.
