apprentice mechanic

shipper/receiver

service technician

mechanic

heavy equipment mechanic

The Gear Centre Group of Companies

Great company to learn all manner of gear work and I would recommend to start here as an apprentice. Great people throughout all their branches and many great teachers. Some major cons of the company is they are stuck in the past with buisness mentality, they want to advance in the industry but are slow to grow and are scared of change. For example automatic transmissions are considered a little taboo within this company as the technology is to advanced for their equipment. Another con would be money over safety is prominent in this company. Meaning they usually only fix safety hazards or concerns when something happens, reactive not proactive. The last major con could be the provided shop tools and equipment are worn, outdated, or rebuilt multiple times, sorta adding on to the out dated buisness mentality.

Expect to travel across Alberta if you work here, you will see all their branches. They do provide vehicles, but would recommend to drive your personal as they are 50/50 for reliability. Average time away for travelling is between 1 to 6 weeks and plans can change when on the road. Accomodations are provided with either apartments, side units attached to shops, and sometimes a 5th wheel trailer. They do provide a food allowance of generally around $20 to $30 a day but payed by cheque after the trip. Gas for the trips are generally payed by the employee and receipts are returned for payback by cheque. Benefits with the company are ok but not great, again very minimal. Boot allowance of $99 a year, no tool allowance, no Christmas parties but instead a meal provided. Payment rotation is semi-monthly so a little weird and hard to manage, but possible. Overall a good company to start off in but dont settle for long term unless you want to.

Working at this company was, without a doubt, the worst professional experience of my life. The environment was toxic, with coworkers and management displaying unprofessional and often mean-spirited behavior for no apparent reason. There was a complete lack of respect and support.
The work itself was incredibly monotonous and unengaging, with no effort made to provide meaningful tasks or any kind of growth. What made matters worse was the total disregard for basic health and safety standards. Serious concerns were routinely ignored, and it felt like the company had no interest in protecting or properly supporting its employees.
One of the most shocking aspects was that employees had to pay out of pocket for access to clean, drinkable water, while also being charged $5 per paycheck for 'office supplies', 'coffee', ect....
There was no training provided whatsoever. Communication was virtually non-existent, making it nearly impossible to stay informed or do the job effectively.
I would not recommend this company to anyone. My time there was demoralizing, and I left with the strong conviction that no one should have to go through what I experienced.


A typical work day on the floor is rebuilding transmission, differentials, and transfer case. Typical day in the Engineering is slow work, limited jobs, currently building a maintenance program for the equipment.

There is no self courses to take to learn anything, the company will not pay for school.

Management has trouble knowing management most managers are mechanics and do not know the business side of things. All managers have trouble approving the simples things, Also,the company waste more time on trying to find something cheap but never compare it to the amount of labour costs usused to find it.

co-workers are great to work with, there is no problem with any of the co-workers, I believe the down fall is in the management. 

This job has a lack or challege, I believe the hardest part is trying to find something to work on.

Most enjoyable part is getting the approval or completing the work on the floor.

Dont expect a pay increase in ages, not even cost of living increase. No advancement and nobody ever talks about it. Have seen people in the same position for decade with no to minimal pay increase. You do all the work except your job title.
Parking is pain in the butt as you will be asked to park on the street, so dont believe on-site free parking thing. In winters, the challenge is next level as the streets are not cleaned and cars get stuck.
Old school work environment. Management without bones(leadership), robots following what owners say. Owners think about company profits only and not about the employees.
Health benefits are paid by company but they cant afford coffee for their employees so they do ask you to pay for that.
Absolutely rigid about starting work at allotted time and work from home only for the favourites. You are late, you are doomed, even in winters when roads can be challenging.
Think before applying!! Good Luck!!

A lot of good people to work with I will admit. When it comes to upper management and owners, they will promise you the moon,move you and hold it over your head to keep you for much less than the promise. Safety here is not in the least a priority. Would have very much liked to stay if they kept promises. Was extremely disappointed as someone starting in the field to be taken advantage of so much and was told I was lucky to be given this opportunity and would never see that generosity again with my experience. Was promptly sorting through multiple offers that were much better in less than a month, shame how they take advantage of inexperienced people who they know are not yet aware of other opportunites.

Worked for the company for 5+ years. Never had any issues with co-workers or management.  
Pay is decent and the company pays for all the health and dental premiums plus a few others so overall pretty good.  Pension or rrsp would have been nice, but the paid premiums is a plus.
Would have been nice if wages were reviewed yearly 
Lots of room for advancement and company keeps to their word on apprenticeship sign-ups
I enjoyed my time here but ending up moving out of the area

Was hired for full time long term employment but was actually only used to cover other employees vacation  time.  

  No real training provided other then basic training on their billing and inventory system.  

   No direction from management or guidance to companies need or expectations.  

  Company is basically failing and barely able to keep afloat in B.C. 

  Do not take a job here.

Terrible work environment. The company makes big promises and doesn’t stay with them.  The lack of knowledge from your trainer will reflect on you and it will cost you your job. 
If you’re looking for a job to start your career this is not it. They will fire you right before your probation is over for reasons that are false and aren’t your fault. 
The management will do nothing to help you succeed at your job and will fire you without even giving any feedback on your performance.

Have worked for the company 15+ years and proud to say so.  

Management and HR Department are fair and willing to listen to concerns and ideas.

Benefits are above average and company pays most premiums!

Lots of long term employees which says a lot about the company.

Opportunity to work your way up from entry level to management positions.

The owners and the HR manager have no clue how to run a successful business in 21st century.The company is very poorly managed with old school managers and useless HRs. They make big promisses but seldom follow through. The work culture is toxic where no process improvement or creativity is encouraged. With no career development or advancement opportunity, this place is where dreams die. Avoid at all costs.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Apprentice mechanic 1 salary reported	$30.50 per hour
Shipper/receiver 9 salaries reported	$20.38 per hour
Service technician 4 salaries reported	$33.29 per hour
Mechanic 3 salaries reported	$33.83 per hour
Heavy equipment mechanic 2 salaries reported	$37.00 per hour

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