VICTORIA (Jan. 6) — British Columbia will require heavy-duty mechanics who work on mixed-vehicle fleets to attain journeyman status as an automotive service technician in addition to their current requirements.

Any certified heavy-duty mechanic or commercial transport mechanic who was employed in a mixed fleet in March of this year has until the end of August 2001 to comply, according to the B.C. Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission.

A mixed fleet is defined as six or more vehicles owned or leased by the same employer, where at least one of the vehicles is a car or light truck.

“The safety of both workers and the general public is always an overriding concern for us,” said ITAC CEO Kerry Jothen. “That’s why, after consultation with employer and worker organizations, we have strengthened the requirements for mechanics working on different types of vehicles. … This phase-in period for people already employed in the industry balances the needs of both workers and fleet operators, so that no one is facing unnecessary pressure. At the same time, it requires an immediate commitment from all concerned to meet the new requirements.”

Copies of the bylaw governing mixed fleets are available at any ITAC or Workers’ Compensation Board office in B.C., by contacting the ITAC office listed in the blue pages of the phone book, or by writing to ITAC at #220-4946 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4J6.