What Does a Small Engine Technician Do?

Small Engine Technicians service and repair small gasoline and diesel-powered equipment such as garden tractors, outboard motors, chain saws and lawn mowers.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

reading and interpreting performance codes and standards such as manufacturer's service manuals, parts bulletins, technical updates etc.
reviewing work orders and discussing work to be performed with supervisors or customers
determining estimates of repair costs
setting up and operating small power equipment
inspecting and testing small engines using various diagnostic and testing devices
performing scheduled maintenance on equipment
advising customers on the work performed and general condition of the equipment
documenting work activities as well as writing operational reports

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to become an apprentice, you need to complete your Grade 12 secondary school diploma or Grade 12 equivalency, preferably with credits in mathematics, English and Science. To achieve success in this trade, you should have good manual dexterity. Apprenticeship training of 5000 hours via on-the-job training and in-school instruction is recommended for this trade. However, a Small Engine Technician is an unrestricted trade which means that you do not need a Certificate of Qualification to work in this trade. Your in-school component is comprised of 2 ten week blocks and could take place at a community college such as Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology, or at Sir Sandford Fleming (see Hot Links for links to all community colleges in Ontario)

Apprenticeship Subject Pathways provides additional information for students/parents/educators: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/moreinfo.html

Click on the above link to view the Apprenticeship Subject Pathways pdf file.

What’s Your Future as a Small Engine Technician?

As a Small Engine Technician, you may be employed by dealer service shops, garages, and by independent business establishment. Many Small Engine Technicians own their own businesses. Employment in this trade is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2007.

Small Engine Technicians may do a lot of heavy lifting, bending and standing. They generally work a 40 hour work week but work may be seasonal depending on the type of engine (lawnmower, snow-blower, golf carts etc.) As a fully qualified journeyperson you may:

Work as a Small Engine Technician
Progress to a supervisory position
Start your own business
Work in related occupations (see below)

Wage Rate

Apprentices will generally earn less than people with more experience, however as your skill and expertise increase, so does your wage in line with company wage rates
Fully qualified Small Engine Technicians generally earn in the $10-$20 per hour range excluding overtime, with an average rate of $16.50/hr

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Small Engine Technician For You?

Are you physically fit with good finger/manual dexterity and mechanical abilities?	Yes No
Can you work indoors or outdoors in different types of weather, noise and fumes, evenings or weekends during peak season?	Yes No
Do you like to study and keep up with changing technology?	Yes No
Do you like performing a variety of tasks, working with computerized equipment and small engines?	Yes No
Do you enjoy figuring out what's wrong with something, then fixing it?	Yes No
Do you mind making a significant investment in tools?	Yes No
Do you have the physical stamina to be on your feet for long periods of time, and bend down or crouch frequently?	Yes No