The design of modern industrial equipment includes electrical, mechanical and computer systems working together. Numerous organizations need qualified staff to install, test and maintain a variety of electromechanical equipment and automated systems.
Do you have a technical or mechanical aptitude and an interest in computers and electronics? If you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together again, or if you love working with your hands and tools to make machines work, you might consider becoming an electrical mechanic.
As an electrical mechanic, you might work at a manufacturing site, office or job site. In an office, you might develop blueprints and manufacturing documentation. On site, you could be installing an assembly line for production work or testing an automated process. You will likely work regular daytime hours, however there may be times when you're required to work nights or on weekends. You could also do rotating shift work.
Qualified electrical mechanics' salaries in Canada are in the range of $22 to $36 per hour depending on your experience, skills and location. With the manufacturing industry beginning to see a recovery, now is the time to ensure your skills and certifications are current to compete for the highest salary possible in your trade.
In terms of job prospects and salaries, pursuing a career in electromechanics is a good bet. The current shortage of skilled workers is expected to continue and the number of workers employed in electronics is expected to increase slightly over the next few years.
As an electrical mechanic, your daily tasks will normally revolve around analyzing, troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing electromechanical equipment, components, and automated systems. On any given day, you could be involved in:
Qualified electrical mechanics can work across Canada wherever there is manufacturing. Mid-size Ontario cities such as Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, and St. Catharines are experiencing growth in the manufacturing sector, with Montréal and Québec not far behind. Opportunities also exist in western Canada.
Employment growth is expected in industries where electrical mechanics work. You’ll find electrical mechanic jobs in industries that use electronic parts and computerized or automated systems, such as aerospace, automotives, energy, food and beverage production, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re thinking of becoming an electrical mechanic, your mechanical aptitude is combined with a desire to understand and learn about complex systems, computerized equipment and electronics. You enjoy technical problem solving and have:
With experience, you may develop a specialization where there is a need for workers in your field. For example, property managers need people to design and integrate building control systems such as lighting, security, HVAC, and fire alarm systems.
Some electrical mechanics choose to continue their education at the university level and obtain an engineering degree. With the right training, you can become a mechanical engineer or an aerospace engineer. With the diverse experience and knowledge you gain, you could lead a team, become a manufacturing manager, or work in research and development.