What does a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic (277Z) do?

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanics install, maintain, repair, rebuild, or modify existing hydraulic, pneumatic, or fluid systems; controls; and components.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Understanding and applying various health and safety acts and regulations
  • Reading and interpreting job specifications, blueprints, engineering drawings, and schematics
  • Preparing preliminary cost/completion estimates based on drawings, codes, and procedures
  • Performing bench work including assembly and disassembly, modification, cleaning, measuring, inspection, and testing of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
  • Inspecting and examining components including cylinders and pistons for rust, dirt, and wear
  • Installing, testing, repairing, or rebuilding hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
  • Mounting, installing, and replacing tires using a variety of tools and equipment
  • Identifying and applying lubricants; installing lubrication equipment and components
  • Maintaining, setting up and operating arc and oxyacetylene welding equipment to join, clamp, cut, fit, tack, weld, and braze metal components and parts
  • Writing technical reports and maintaining repair records

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Secondary school diploma required; senior credits in math (geometry, trigonometry, logarithms), English, and drafting an asset
  • Completion of an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training

What's Your Future as a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic (277Z)?

  • Generally 40 hours/week in shifts; strong possibility of overtime and weekend work
  • Working with heavy tools in oily, greasy environments
  • Employers include heavy equipment firms, farming equipment companies, transport companies, and aerospace industry

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skills and expertise. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $15.00-$22.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic (277Z)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Are you good with numbers and calculations?
Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights?
Do you have a mechanical aptitude and good coordination?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Do you enjoy doing a variety of different tasks?
Are you good at problem-solving?
Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
  • Farm Equipment Mechanic
  • Truck & Coach Mechanic
  • Machinist
  • Automotive Service Technician

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