What Kind of Career Can You Expect?
Power Sports (Recreational) and Small Engine Repair technicians maintain and repair a variety of two- and four-cycle engines and related components, including those used in:
– Snowmobiles
– Motorcycles
– Personal watercraft
– Outboard motors
– Chain saws
– Lawn and garden equipment
– Outdoor power equipment
All AAS degrees can be expanded into four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.
What is the Outlook for Job Opportunities and Pay?
There is currently a large demand for technicians, parts specialists, sales personnel, and others who have recreational and small engines repair skills.
Salaries are very good for these jobs. Technicians are in high demand and make to $10-16 per hour plus benefits. Opportunities for advancement are outstanding. Many techs are paid on a commission basis.
The market is excellent for those wanting to start their own small business in this field. With experience, self-employed technicians can earn $30-60 per hour.
What Skills, Traits, or Prep Classes Would be Helpful?
– Interest in recreational and small engine industry
– Good reading and math skills
– Mechanical aptitude
– Finger/manual dexterity
– Ability to evaluate and make decisions
– Safety consciousness
– Good eyesight
– Fluency in the English language
What Will You Learn to Do?
– Diagnose and repair snowmobiles, motorcycles, personal
watercraft, outboard motors, chain saws, lawn and garden equipment, and outdoor power equipment
– Understand operating principles for two- and four-cycle engines
– Understand basic electricity
– Service and maintain fuel and carburetor systems, transmissions, and power train systems
– Perform complete engine overhauls and basic engine tune-ups
– Manage and inventory parts
– Perform basic chassis tune-ups
– Utilize computers in the workplace
– Effectively communicate with customers and peers
A typical day includes six hours of classroom and lab work. Students may work part-time in a related field while in the program. Training can be customized to meet individual needs.
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