What Does a Bearings Mechanic Do?

A Bearings Mechanic disassembles, inspects, repairs and cleans bearings, seals and chocks.

Job-related Skills, Interests and Values

  • preparing oral and written reports, sometimes using computers, including inventory requisitions
  • reading and interpreting technical literature, manufacturer's specifications, and engineering drawings
  • maintaining and using hand and power tools
  • setting up and using machine tools, such as lathes, drills, grinders, saws and hydraulic presses
  • maintaining and using precision measuring equipment
  • identifying and using metals, alloys and non-metallic materials
  • selecting and applying lubricants
  • welding, brazing and soldering

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Bearings Mechanic, you should complete your Grade 12 education or ministry-approved equivalent (GED) with credits in math, science and communication. Students who have not yet completed high school but are 16 years of age and completed grade 10 can apply to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and gain work hours towards their overall apprenticeship. 

Bearings Mechanic is an unrestricted certified trade and does not require a Certificate of Apprenticeship. However, completing an apprenticeship program will increase your wages and employment opportunities. To become a Bearings Mechanic, it is recommended that you complete apprenticeship training of 4,000 to 6,000 hours of combined in-class and on-the-job training. The in-school component is comprised of 240 hours of classroom work. 

What’s Your Future in being a Bearings Mechanic?

Bearings Mechanics work with heavy tools and may have to work in oily, greasy and hot industrial environments. Most employment for this trade is shift work, generally 40 hours a week but there is a strong possibility for overtime and perhaps weekends and holiday work. Employers who hire Bearings Mechanics generally include:

  • Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
  • Machinery and equipment manufacturers

The outlook for this job over the next few years to 2007 is good. Work in this field can be dangerous, so following safety procedures is extremely important. 

Wage Rate

  • As an Apprentice you earn less than a Journeyperson 
  • this rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency 
  • A fully qualified Bearings Mechanic can earn in a range of $12 to $18 per hour or more, excluding overtime. 

Self- Rating

Ask Yourself: Is being a Bearings Mechanic For You?

Do you have good eye-hand co-ordination?

Yes      No

Are you mechanically inclined?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy using computerized equipment on your job?

Yes      No

Can you understand written instructions?

Yes      No

Do you like to keep up to date on new techniques?

Yes      No

Can you read blueprints and other design documents?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with machines and tools?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Bearings Mechanic may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills:

  • Alignment and Brakes Technician
  • General Machinist